If you’re looking for an easy dinner that feels like a warm hug, Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops are it.
Juicy pork chops, sweet apples, and a savory gravy all cook low and slow in your crockpot—no fuss, no stress.
This recipe is a total go-to when I want something hearty but hands-off. Everything goes into the crockpot and just does its thing.
You’ll come home to the best smells and even better flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
This one hits home. My grandma made something similar every fall, usually after apple-picking trips. We’d come home, throw everything in the slow cooker, and the whole house would smell like comfort.
- Only 10 minutes of prep
- Sweet and savory flavor combo
- Makes the pork super tender
- Perfect for chilly days
- Smells amazing all day long
What You’ll Need
- 4 pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced (I like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more flavor depth
- Brown the pork chops first for extra flavor and better texture
- Slice onions thin so they melt into the gravy
- If your pork chops are thick, increase the cook time by 30 minutes
- Stir the slurry in at the end so the gravy thickens just right
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Black oval crockpot (6-8 quart)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for slurry
- Tongs or spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Use bone-in pork chops for even more flavor
- Swap applesauce for apple butter for a sweeter touch
- Use honey instead of brown sugar if preferred
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
- Try sliced red onion for a milder flavor
Make Ahead Tips
- Slice the apples and onions the night before and store in the fridge
- Mix the sauce ingredients ahead and refrigerate
- Brown the pork chops early and refrigerate until ready to cook
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Pork Chops
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 pork chops with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Sear chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t cook through—just brown the outside.
Step 2: Layer Apples and Onions
In the black oval crockpot, add 2 peeled and sliced apples and 1 thinly sliced onion. Spread evenly on the bottom.
Step 3: Add Pork Chops
Place the browned pork chops right on top of the apples and onions inside the crockpot.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix 1 cup applesauce, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Stir well until smooth.
Step 5: Pour Sauce Over
Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops in the crockpot.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
Step 7: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water until smooth. Pour into the crockpot. Stir gently, then cover and cook 15 more minutes on HIGH to thicken.
Step 8: Serve
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat
- Great shredded and stuffed in sandwiches or over rice
Makes
4 servings
Cook Time
6–7 hours on LOW
or
3–4 hours on HIGH
Macros (per serving – estimate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Slow cooking pork chops in moisture-rich ingredients (apples, applesauce, broth) helps break down muscle fibers and keeps the meat tender. Apples have natural enzymes that tenderize meat, and browning the pork first adds depth through the Maillard reaction—flavor you just can’t get otherwise.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the browning step: This step adds big flavor!
- Using super thin pork chops: They dry out too fast
- Not layering the apples/onions first: They need to be under the pork to cook properly
- Adding slurry too early: It needs to go in last or it won’t thicken right
What to Serve With
- Mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up that gravy)
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Buttery egg noodles
- Simple salad with vinaigrette
- Crusty bread
FAQ
Can I use frozen pork chops?
Thaw first for best texture and even cooking.
Can I skip the applesauce?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Try using more broth and a little maple syrup instead.
Can I use bone-in chops?
Absolutely! Just increase cook time slightly.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes—layer everything in a covered baking dish and bake at 325°F for 2 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s easy, flavorful, and makes the house smell amazing while it cooks. I hope it becomes a regular favorite in your home the way it has in mine. Try it, enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to drop a comment below if you made it—or if you’ve got questions. I’d love to hear how it turns out!