Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops deliver an incredible combination of savory and sweet flavors that simply melt in your mouth. Imagine tender, juicy pork chops simmering all day in a medley of crisp apples and aromatic onions, bathed in a luscious apple juice sauce. There’s something truly special about a dish that cooks itself while you go about your day, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons family to gather around the table. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed Sundays.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops

Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops

When I first came across this recipe, I was on a quest for something comforting yet uncomplicated. It immediately caught my attention, and I remember the awe on my family’s faces as they dug into those pork chops that practically fell apart. Unlike the overly complex restaurant versions, this dish is straightforward and budget-friendly, putting wonderful flavors on your plate without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just craving a warm meal, I promise these Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops will be a hit—so give it a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you can set it and forget it!
Irresistible Flavor: The sweetness of apples combined with savory pork makes each bite blissful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve these chops topped with apples and onions for a lovely presentation that impresses.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, cozy get-togethers, or even meal prep for the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily gluten-free and adaptable for different dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 to 6 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick): These offer a great meat-to-fat ratio for tenderness and flavor. Bone-in will provide even more richness, while boneless chop are easier to serve.
2 large apples, cored and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well): The tartness of Granny Smith or the sweet crunch of Honeycrisp create a lovely balance with the savory dish.
1 medium onion, sliced: Adds depth and sweetness as it caramelizes during cooking.
1 cup apple juice or apple cider: This is the base for our sauce, adding moisture and a delightful sweetness that brings out the flavors.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances the natural sugars in the apples and balances the savory pork.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and a fantastic aroma that fills your kitchen.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors in the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: To add a mild kick and roundness to the flavor profile.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): If you prefer a thicker sauce, this will help achieve that.
1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening): Mix with cornstarch for the desired sauce consistency.

How to Make Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops

Season the Pork Chops: Salt and pepper the pork chops generously on both sides. This simple step is key to elevating the flavors of the meat.

Layer the Apples and Onions: Spread the sliced apples and onions evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for the pork, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Arrange the Pork Chops: Place the seasoned pork chops directly on top of the apple and onion layer. The juices will flow down, infusing the whole dish with deliciousness.

Whisk and Pour: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of apple juice, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Pour this sweet mixture over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-coated.

Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork—a wonderful indicator of how succulent it’s become.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, transfer the pork chops to a plate. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir this mixture into the cooking liquid, then cover and cook on high for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the tender pork chops alongside the glorious apples and onions, drizzling with the sauce as desired. This dish is fantastic over rice or paired with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delightful sauce!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about 2 hours before refrigerating for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these pork chops freeze beautifully—just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the microwave (about 2-3 minutes at medium power) or gently in a skillet over low heat. Keep in mind that the texture may soften a bit during storage, but a splash of apple juice during reheating can refresh the flavors wonderfully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to season your pork chops well; they need that bit of extra flavor to stand out.
If you’re short on time, you can slice the apples and onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
Cooking on low is ideal for achieving that fall-apart tenderness; if you’re in a hurry, high works too, but it may be slightly less tender.
If the sauce is too sweet for your liking, you can add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance it out.
Feel free to play around with the spices; a bit of nutmeg or allspice can give a different twist!

Can I use other meats instead of pork chops?

Absolutely! This recipe would work wonderfully with chicken thighs or even turkey breast. Just adjust the cooking time since chicken may require a bit less time than pork to stay juicy.

How do I know when the pork is done?

Your pork chops should be tender and easily fall apart when pulled with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Yes! If you prefer a quicker method, you can sear the pork chops in a pot, then add the apples, onions, and sauce mixture, covering it and letting it simmer on low heat for about 30-45 minutes until everything is tender.

What can I serve with these pork chops?

These delicious chops pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. Feel free to get creative with your sides depending on your mood!

There you have it! These Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops offer simplicity with a mouthwatering result that you just can’t resist. The combination of savory and sweet makes for a comforting dish that’s sure to impress. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own; perhaps adding your favorite seasonal spices or even trying different apples! Enjoy every bite!

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Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 370 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Apple Pork Chops are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Juicy pork chops cooked with apples and onions create a comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or cozy family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

4 to 6 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
2 large apples, cored and sliced (granny smith or honeycrisp work well)
1 medium onion, sliced
1 cup apple juice or apple cider
2 tablespoons 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)

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Instructions

Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
Spread the sliced apples and onions in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the pork chops on top of the apple and onion mixture.
In a bowl, combine the apple juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then pour it over the pork chops.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
To thicken the sauce, remove the pork chops, mix cornstarch with water, and stir it into the cooking liquid. Cook on high for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Serve the pork chops with the apples and onions, drizzling the sauce over the top as desired.

Notes

For a different flavor, try using a mix of apple varieties.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain tenderness.
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.