Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork

Nothing comforts quite like a plate of tender pork chops bathed in sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This slow cooker recipe is a weeknight lifesaver when you want a hearty meal but do not have time to fuss in the kitchen. With a silky sauce that caramelizes just right and pork that falls off the bone, this dish has turned even my pickiest eaters into pork chop fans.

I made this the first time when I needed a hands off dinner option on a busy workday. The house smelled amazing and everyone rushed to the table before I could even serve the rice.

Ingredients

• Thick cut pork chops: look for chops with a bit of marbling for juiciness
• Garlic: fresh cloves bring real depth do not skimp or swap for jarred
• Ketchup: gives sweetness and a luscious texture
• Soy sauce: adds saltiness and umami opt for a good quality low sodium
• Honey: the star for sticky sweetness choose local or raw honey if possible
• Garlic powder and onion powder: reinforce the flavors for balance
• Smoked paprika: gives gentle smokiness use fresh for best flavor
• Sriracha: brings heat use more or less based on spice preference
• Cornstarch: thickens the sauce to a glossy finish look for brands with no added preservatives
• Chicken stock or water: helps blend the sauce and add some savoriness
• Instant rice: cooks up quickly and soaks up all that sauce
• Butter: adds creaminess to the rice use real butter for richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pork Chops:

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels then lay them evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker making sure they fit in a single layer and are not too crowded

Mix the Sauce:

In a medium bowl whisk together ketchup minced garlic soy sauce honey garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika and sriracha until fully blended check for any clumps of spices and mix until everything is smooth

Pour and Cook:

Pour the sauce mixture all over the pork chops making sure every chop is coated cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low cook for four to six hours until the pork is fully cooked and tender

Make the Rice:

About twenty minutes before serving bring four cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan as soon as it boils stir in the instant rice and butter then cover immediately and take off the heat let it sit undisturbed until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy

Thicken the Sauce:

Once the pork chops are done gently remove them and keep warm pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan whisk the cornstarch with a half cup of chicken stock or some reserved sauce until smooth without lumps stir this mixture into the saucepan and cook over medium heat whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and gets glossy about five minutes

Serve:

Spoon the buttery rice onto plates top each serving with a pork chop and generously ladle thickened honey garlic sauce over the top for extra flair sprinkle with chopped parsley green onions or chives

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One of my favorite things about this recipe is the way the honey and soy sauce mingle to create a caramel like glaze. My family always fights over the last bits of sauce to drizzle on rice or dip crusty bread.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool and then transfer both pork chops and extra sauce into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freezing wrap chops tightly and freeze sauce separately to preserve the texture. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep everything moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of honey try pure maple syrup for a slightly woodsy flavor. No fresh garlic Use double the garlic powder instead. For a lighter version swap chicken breasts for pork chops just reduce the cooking time to keep the meat juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chops over fluffy rice as written or change it up with mashed potatoes egg noodles or even roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad or sautéed bok choy balances out the savory richness of the meal.

Cultural and Historical Context

Dishes combining honey and garlic have roots in both Asian and American home cooking traditions. The blend of sweet salty and spicy makes this a beloved comfort food that transcends regions. Slow cookers became popular for such recipes in the mid twentieth century when families wanted hearty meals with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes, boneless or bone-in pork chops both work well. Adjust the slow-cooking time slightly, as boneless cuts may cook a bit faster.

→ How spicy does the honey garlic sauce get?

The sauce has a mild kick from sriracha, but you can easily control the spice level by adding more or less to taste.

→ What can I use instead of instant rice?

Feel free to serve the honey garlic pork with regular steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or even quinoa for a tasty variation.

→ Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep. The pork and sauce stay flavorful, making lunches or dinners easy throughout the week.