There’s something magic about throwing a few things in the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to dinner ready.
These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and full of sweet and savory flavor.
The combo of pineapple, garlic, and soy sauce is just chef’s kiss. It smells so good while it cooks and tastes even better.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe reminds me of my aunt’s summer cookouts in the backyard. She used to grill pineapple slices and toss them on top of pork chops. One day, she said, “Let’s try it in the slow cooker,” and we’ve made it that way ever since.
- It’s super easy—just toss and go
- The pork is crazy tender
- You only need one pot to clean
- It’s great for meal prep or leftovers
- That sweet and savory sauce is next-level
What You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup), do not drain
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Tools Needed
- Black oval slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip searing the pork—adds tons of flavor!
- Use the pineapple juice from the can—it helps tenderize the meat.
- Bone-in chops work best—they stay moist and flavorful.
- Want it thicker? Add a little more cornstarch at the end.
- Let it rest in the sauce for 10 mins before serving for max flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Boneless pork chops work too, just reduce cook time by 30 minutes.
- Fresh pineapple can be used, but add 1/4 cup extra water or broth.
- Tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option.
- Crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- No cornstarch? Use arrowroot powder.
Make Ahead Tips
- Slice onions and garlic the night before.
- Mix sauce ingredients and store in the fridge until morning.
- You can even sear the pork chops ahead of time and refrigerate.
Instructions (Makes 4 servings, Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW)
Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the 4 bone-in pork chops for about 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. You’re not cooking them through—just adding flavor.
Step 2: Slice the Onion and Prep Garlic
While the pork sears, thinly slice 1 small onion and mince 2 cloves garlic.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the seared pork chops into the bottom of the black oval slow cooker. Pour in the entire can (20 oz) of pineapple chunks with juice, add sliced onion and minced garlic. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Stir well and pour over everything in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or until pork is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
Step 5: Thicken Sauce (Optional)
If the sauce is too thin, remove 1/2 cup of liquid, mix it with 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and stir it back into the crockpot. Let it cook 10 more minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve pork chops over rice and spoon the sauce and pineapple on top. Sprinkle with green onions.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave—add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Macros Information (Per Serving – Without Rice)
Calories: 325
Protein: 29g
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Acid in pineapple juice tenderizes the pork slowly over time.
- Searing first builds deep flavor through the Maillard reaction.
- Slow cooking gently breaks down the meat fibers, making it fork-tender.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the sear—you’ll miss out on flavor.
- Using syrup-packed pineapple—makes it way too sweet.
- Lifting the lid too much—loses heat and slows down cooking.
- Forgetting to stir the cornstarch—can clump if added dry.
What to Serve With
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Coconut rice for a tropical twist
- Stir-fried green beans or broccoli
- Crispy roasted potatoes
- Simple side salad with ginger dressing
FAQ
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, just reduce cook time by 30–45 minutes.
Can I cook it on HIGH?
You can—try 3–4 hours on HIGH, but LOW gives the best texture.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes! Just add 1/4 cup extra water or broth to replace the missing juice.
How do I make it spicier?
Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Chops are the kind of meal that makes you look forward to dinner all day. They’re easy, packed with flavor, and make your whole kitchen smell amazing.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you served it with—or if you made any fun tweaks!