Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops
This Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops recipe is cozy, simple, and so easy to love. Tender lean pork chops. Sweet-tart apples. A light cinnamon sauce that feels comforting but not heavy. This is one of those apple crock pot pork chops recipes that makes dinner basically cook itself. Minimal prep. Big flavor. Balanced and lighter from the start.
Apple pork chops in crock pot recipes are especially popular in the fall when apples are everywhere. But honestly, I make crock pot pork chops with apples all year long. They feel a little special. A little nostalgic. But still weeknight-friendly and calorie-conscious.
This was inspired by my cozy and simple Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin, and it pairs so well with my light and flavorful Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Carrots. That sweet and savory combo just works. Every time.
Recipe Summery
- 🍽️ Course: Main Dish
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- 🍴 Servings: 4-6
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Lightly sweet, savory, warm cinnamon
- 🍚 Best Served With: Roasted veggies or a simple salad
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Yes
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lean boneless pork chops keep it lighter and protein-packed
- Minimal prep and hands-off cooking
- Naturally sweetened with apples and Swerve brown sugar
- Family-friendly flavors without heavy sauces
- Easy to portion for balanced meals
Ingredients
Recipe Tips
- Trim visible fat from the pork chops before cooking. It keeps the dish lighter and prevents excess grease in the sauce.
- Slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same rate and soften properly. Thicker slices hold their shape better.
- Avoid overcooking on high for too long. Lean pork can dry out if left too long past the recommended time.
Crock Pot Apple Pork Chops
Equipment
- Crock pot or slow cooker
- Cutting board
- sharp knife
- Small Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Lean boneless pork chops 4-6 pieces trimmed (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 large Granny Smith apples cored and sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium broth
- 2 tablespoons Swerve brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1 tablespoon water optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and black pepper. Layer the sliced apples and onions in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the broth, Swerve brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Step 3: Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the apples and onions. Pour evenly over the pork chops.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until tender. Serve pork chops over the apples and onions with sauce spooned on top.
Notes
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove the pork chops. Stir cornstarch and water together, add to the crock pot liquid, and cook on high for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes after thickening.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145 degrees F for best texture.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before serving to help retain juices.
- Spoon sauce over each portion instead of mixing everything together for better portion control.
Storage Directions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the pork and apples together so the meat stays moist.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the pork tender.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the apples and onions a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and cook the next day.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this as your main protein with a side of Mixed Pickled Vegetables for a balanced, veggie-forward plate that keeps calories in check.
- Pair with a scoop of Lemon Buttered Noodles and a simple Collard Greens Salad for a lighter comfort-style dinner that still feels complete.
- Add Air Fryer Broccolini and a small serving of High Protein Pasta Salad to create a meal that’s filling but still mindful of portions.
- Keep it low carb by serving alongside Keto Brussel Sprout and a bowl of Cauliflower Parmesan Soup for extra veggies without adding heaviness.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Honeycrisp or Fuji work well. Granny Smith gives the best balance of sweet and tart.
No. You can substitute regular brown sugar, but it will slightly increase the calorie count.
Yes, but cooking time may vary slightly. Make sure they are fully cooked and tender before serving.
