‘Tis the season for easy slow cooker meals that are ready when you are! These Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Pork Chops are one of my favorite “set it and forget it” recipes that always hits the spot. Sweet and savory, full of flavor, and so easy that it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekends. Just throw everything in the crock pot, let it work its magic, and enjoy a hot, nourishing meal whenever you’re ready for it. Enjoy!
Making Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Pork Chops
What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is to throw together. You’ll spend about 15 minutes on prep, and then your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
First, peel and thinly slice your apples and onion. I like using Honeycrisp apples because they hold their shape well during cooking while still getting tender and releasing their natural sweetness. Granny Smith also hold up well, though they’re less sweet. Toss the apples and onions together and spread them across the bottom of your slow cooker—this creates a flavorful bed for your pork chops to rest on.
Next, season your pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I used thin-sliced pork chops for this recipe because they cook more quickly and absorb more flavor, but you can use thicker cuts if you prefer – adjust your cooking time accordingly. Layer the seasoned pork chops on top of your apple and onion mixture.
Simply mix BBQ sauce and chicken broth (or water if you don’t have broth on hand) for the sauce. I personally use Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce because it adds a nice kick that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the apples, but any BBQ sauce you love will work beautifully. Pour this mixture over your pork chops, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Add a sprig of rosemary on top—this will infuse a wonderful aromatic flavor throughout the dish as it cooks. Then, cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops, but you’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check.
When serving, make sure to spoon plenty of that apple-onion mixture and sauce over the top of each pork chop. The apples break down just enough to create a chunky, naturally sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with the savory pork. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days – they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day!
For more easy slow cooker recipes, check out my Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, French Onion Chicken, or Creamy Tomato Crockpot Pasta.
Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Pork Chops
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork chops thin sliced
- 1 sprig rosemary
- salt pepper, garlic powder to taste
- 2 Honeycrisp apples sliced thin
- 1 sweet onion sliced thin
- 2/3 cup BBQ sauce I use Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Peel and slice apples and onion. Place in the base of your slow cooker and toss together.
- Season pork with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Layer your pork chops on top of the apple onion mixture.
- Mix BBQ sauce and chicken broth in a bowl and pour over pork chops, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Add the rosemary sprig on top.
- Cook on high for 2-4 hours, until pork chops reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (I check with a meat thermometer).
- Serve pork chops with the apple/onion mixture on top and enjoy!
