Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops are the perfect combination of tender, juicy pork and a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce. Made with thick-cut pork chops, fresh garlic, sweet honey, soy sauce, and aromatic onions, this easy Crock Pot recipe delivers a delicious family dinner with minimal preparation.
The pork chops slowly simmer in a flavorful mixture of honey, garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, and rice vinegar. As they cook, the meat absorbs the sweet and savory flavors, becoming beautifully tender.
The finishing touch is a glossy honey garlic glaze spooned generously over each pork chop, followed by sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions.
Serve these delicious pork chops over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles for a comforting homemade meal.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
3–6 hours, depending on setting
Total Time
3 hours 15 minutes–6 hours 15 minutes
Servings
8
Difficulty
Easy
Cooking Method
Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Pork Chops
This recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors and effortless preparation.
Tender, juicy pork: Thick-cut pork chops cook gently in a flavorful sauce.
Sweet and savory glaze: Honey and soy sauce create a delicious balance of sweetness and saltiness.
Rich garlic flavor: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with an irresistible aroma.
Easy preparation: Just season the pork, prepare the sauce, and let the slow cooker do the work.
Family-friendly dinner: The sweet garlic flavor pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, and vegetables.
Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers reheat well when stored with the sauce.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
For the Pork Chops
8 thick-cut pork chops, approximately 3 pounds (1.36 kg)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 large onion, thinly sliced
6 garlic cloves, finely minced
For the Honey Garlic Glaze
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
½ cup chicken broth
For Garnishing and Serving
Sesame seeds
Fresh green onions, thinly sliced
Steamed white rice
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Follow these easy steps to make flavorful pork chops coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce.
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Remove the pork chops from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
Choose thick-cut pork chops for the best results. Thicker cuts generally retain moisture better during slow cooking than very thin chops.
Trim any large pieces of excess fat if desired.
Step 2: Season the Pork
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop.
Gently rub the spices into the meat to ensure every piece is well seasoned.
Step 3: Arrange the Pork Chops in the Crock Pot
Place the seasoned pork chops in the slow cooker.
Arrange them in neat rows or slightly overlapping layers.
Use a slow cooker large enough to hold the pork without exceeding its recommended fill level.
Step 4: Add the Onions and Garlic
Scatter the sliced onions around and between the pork chops.
Add the minced garlic.
As the pork cooks, the onions soften and release their natural sweetness, while the garlic infuses the sauce with savory flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Whisk until smooth and evenly combined.
The sauce should have a glossy appearance and a balanced sweet, savory, and tangy flavor.
Step 6: Pour the Sauce Over the Pork Chops
Spoon the honey garlic mixture generously over the seasoned pork chops.
Make sure each chop is coated.
Allow the sauce to flow between the meat and onions.
Step 7: Add the Chicken Broth
Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker.
The broth adds moisture and helps create a flavorful cooking sauce.
Avoid pouring all the broth directly over the top of the pork chops, which can wash away some of the seasoning.
Step 8: Slow Cook the Pork Chops
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid.
The original recipe suggests:
LOW: Approximately 6 hours
HIGH: Approximately 3–4 hours
However, thick-cut pork chops are leaner than pork shoulder and can dry out during extended cooking. Begin checking them earlier, especially if they are boneless.
For food safety, whole pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest.
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chops, whether they are bone-in, and the slow cooker model.
Step 9: Check for Tenderness
Carefully remove the lid near the end of cooking.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a pork chop, avoiding the bone.
The meat should be cooked through and tender.
Avoid continuing to cook the pork unnecessarily once it reaches the desired temperature and texture.
Step 10: Prepare the Glossy Honey Garlic Glaze
Slow cookers retain moisture, so the sauce may be thinner than a traditional caramelized glaze.
For a thick, glossy finish, carefully transfer the cooking liquid into a saucepan.
Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Cook uncovered for approximately 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes slightly thicker and more concentrated.
For an even thicker glaze, stir in a mixture of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water.
Simmer until glossy.
Step 11: Coat the Pork Chops
Carefully transfer the cooked pork chops to a serving dish.
Brush or spoon the warm honey garlic glaze over each chop.
Coat generously until the meat looks glossy and flavorful.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions over the pork chops.
Serve hot over steamed white rice.
Spoon extra honey garlic sauce over the rice and pork.
What Are Honey Garlic Pork Chops?
Honey garlic pork chops are a popular sweet-and-savory pork dish prepared with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and complementary seasonings.
The honey provides sweetness, while soy sauce contributes salty, umami-rich flavor.
Garlic adds aromatic depth, ketchup provides body and mild acidity, and rice vinegar balances the sweetness.
In this slow cooker version, the pork chops gently cook in the sauce, absorbing its flavors.
The result is a comforting main dish with tender pork and a flavorful honey garlic coating.
The Secret to Tender Slow Cooker Pork Chops
The key to delicious slow cooker pork chops is selecting the right cut and monitoring the cooking time.
Choose Thick-Cut Pork Chops
Thick-cut pork chops generally perform better in the slow cooker because they are less likely to dry out quickly.
Avoid Excessive Cooking
Pork chops are not the same as pork shoulder.
They contain less connective tissue and may become dry when cooked for too long.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Checking the internal temperature is the most reliable way to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Keep the Pork Coated in Sauce
The honey garlic sauce adds flavor and helps keep the surface of the pork moist.
Allow the Pork to Rest
Resting the pork briefly before serving helps retain its juices.
Reduce the Sauce Separately
A saucepan creates a thicker, glossier glaze than the slow cooker alone.
Why Honey and Garlic Work So Well Together
Honey and garlic create a delicious contrast of flavors.
Honey adds sweetness and a smooth texture.
Garlic contributes a bold, savory aroma.
Soy sauce introduces saltiness and umami, while rice vinegar provides acidity.
Ketchup adds a subtle tomato flavor and helps round out the sauce.
Together, these ingredients produce a balanced glaze that complements the natural flavor of pork.
Best Pork Chops for This Recipe
Several types of pork chops can be used.
Bone-In Pork Chops
Bone-in pork chops are flavorful and can be a good choice for slow cooking.
Boneless Pork Chops
Boneless chops are convenient and easy to serve, but they may cook faster and dry out more easily.
Center-Cut Pork Chops
Center-cut pork chops are relatively lean and provide a classic presentation.
Thick-Cut Pork Chops
Pork chops approximately 1–1½ inches thick are preferable for this recipe.
For the best results, choose chops of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
How to Make the Honey Garlic Sauce Extra Thick and Glossy
A rich glaze makes this dish especially delicious.
Because slow cookers trap steam, the sauce usually remains more liquid than a skillet glaze.
To create a thicker sauce:
Remove the cooked pork chops and keep them warm.
Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Cook uncovered until slightly reduced.
If needed, add a small cornstarch slurry.
Stir until the sauce becomes glossy.
Spoon the glaze over the pork chops before serving.
The finished sauce should coat the back of a spoon without being excessively thick.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Pork Chops
These sweet and savory pork chops pair beautifully with many side dishes.
Steamed White Rice
Fluffy rice absorbs the rich honey garlic sauce.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the tender pork.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Fresh green beans add color and balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli provides a delicious savory contrast.
Buttered Egg Noodles
Tender noodles are excellent for soaking up the sauce.
Roasted Baby Potatoes
Golden roasted potatoes complement the flavorful pork.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice adds a delicate aroma that pairs well with the soy-based glaze.
Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad
A fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar provides a refreshing contrast.
For a complete dinner, serve the pork chops with steamed rice, roasted broccoli, and extra honey garlic sauce.
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops?
Yes. Boneless pork chops work well, but they often require less cooking time than thick bone-in chops.
Start checking the internal temperature early.
Remove the pork once it reaches 145°F (63°C), then allow it to rest for at least 3 minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Soy Sauce?
Yes. You can replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or another suitable savory alternative.
Keep in mind that coconut aminos are often sweeter and less salty than regular soy sauce.
Adjust the honey and salt if necessary.
Delicious Honey Garlic Pork Chop Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce.
Honey Garlic Ginger Pork Chops
Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for an aromatic flavor.
Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Stir 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the honey garlic sauce.
Pineapple Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet, tropical variation.
Sesame Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Add 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil to the sauce.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops with Vegetables
Add carrots or mushrooms to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
Brown Sugar Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Replace a small portion of the honey with brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using very thin pork chops: Thin chops can overcook quickly.
Cooking for too long: Lean pork chops can become dry during extended slow cooking.
Adding too much broth: Excess liquid can dilute the honey garlic sauce.
Using too much soy sauce: The glaze may become overly salty.
Skipping the vinegar: Rice vinegar balances the sweetness of the honey.
Expecting caramelization in the slow cooker: A Crock Pot does not create the same browned glaze as a hot skillet.
Overcrowding the appliance: Follow the slow cooker’s recommended capacity.
Skipping the thermometer: Internal temperature is essential for reliable results.
Can I Prepare Honey Garlic Pork Chops Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can prepare several components in advance.
Season the pork chops and refrigerate them in a covered container.
Prepare the honey garlic sauce separately and store it in the refrigerator.
Slice the onions and mince the garlic ahead of time.
When ready to cook, assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.
Avoid leaving raw pork at room temperature for extended periods.
How to Store Leftover Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Transfer the cooked pork chops and sauce into airtight containers.
Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3–4 days.
Store the pork with some of the sauce to help maintain moisture.
How to Reheat
Place the pork chops in a covered skillet over low heat.
Add a few tablespoons of the leftover sauce.
Warm gently until heated through.
Avoid overheating, which can dry out the pork.
Can You Freeze Honey Garlic Pork Chops?
Yes. Cooked pork chops can be frozen with their sauce.
Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for approximately 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook pork chops in a slow cooker?
Yes. Thick-cut pork chops can be cooked in a slow cooker with sauce, but they should be monitored to prevent overcooking.
How long do pork chops take in a Crock Pot?
Cooking time varies with thickness, cut, and appliance. The original recipe suggests 6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH, but lean chops may be ready sooner.
What temperature should pork chops reach?
Whole pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C) internally and rest for at least 3 minutes.
Can I use frozen pork chops?
For safe, even cooking, thaw pork chops completely in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
Yes. Brown sugar or maple syrup can provide sweetness, although the flavor and texture will change.
Why is my honey garlic sauce watery?
Slow cookers retain moisture, and pork releases juices during cooking. Reduce the sauce separately for a thicker glaze.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice for controlling the saltiness.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Carrots, mushrooms, and onions are delicious additions.
Are honey garlic pork chops spicy?
No. The original recipe is sweet and savory rather than spicy.
What is the best side dish for honey garlic pork chops?
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables are excellent choices.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce and verify that the other ingredients are gluten-free.
How do I prevent pork chops from drying out?
Choose thick-cut chops, avoid unnecessary cooking time, and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops are a delicious and comforting dinner that combines tender pork with a rich, sweet, and savory garlic sauce.
The combination of honey, soy sauce, fresh garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and aromatic onions creates a flavorful glaze that complements the pork beautifully.
With minimal preparation and the convenience of slow cooking, this recipe is ideal for family dinners, meal preparation, and busy weeknights.
Serve the pork chops over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and finish with a generous spoonful of glossy honey garlic sauce.