Easy Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork Chops

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When weeknights are hectic, there’s nothing better than a meal that’s big on flavour but low on effort.

That’s where these Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork Chops come in.

They are tender and smoky, slightly spicy kick, they’re a family favourite.

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dish that practically takes care of itself?

Just toss everything in the slow cooker and come back to a meal that’s ready and delicious.

You can pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a salad, and you’ve got dinner ready!

Jump to Recipe

The slow cooking process enhances the flavours!

The chipotle heat complements the taste of the pork perfectly.

The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add depth and a bit of heat, perfectly balancing the sweetness of honey and brown sugar.

Recipe Overview

I love making Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork Chops because they are simple and super flavourful.

For this pork chops recipe, I typically use bone-in pork loin chops.

They cook beautifully in the slow cooker!

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in pork loin chops
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as the cooking process takes care of itself. I can prep everything in the morning and let it cook throughout the day.

Serving Size

This recipe serves about 4-6 people, making it great for family dinners or leftovers.

Ingredients and Preparation

Key Ingredients

For this recipe, I use a few essential ingredients.

First, start with four boneless pork chops or pork loin chops.

I also add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, which provides a smoky and spicy kick.

To balance the heat, I mix in honey and brown sugar.

Garlic cloves add depth, while apple cider vinegar brings some acidity.

Lastly, I usually include a bit of tomato sauce.

The total cooking time is around 4-6 hours in the slow cooker, which lets the flavours really develop.

Slow-cooker Chipotle Pork Chops

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to spice preference)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime (optional)

For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

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1. Sear the Pork Chops (Optional but Recommended)

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper.
3. Sear each pork chop for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Searing adds extra flavor but can be skipped.
4. Transfer the pork chops to the slow cooker.

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2. Prepare the Chipotle Sauce

1. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker along with the chopped chipotle peppers, chicken broth, honey, tomato paste, cumin powder, smoked paprika, and oregano.

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3. Slow-cook the Pork Chops

1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 4 hours.
2. Let the pork chops cook until they are tender and infused with the smoky chipotle flavour.

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4. Finish and Serve

1. About 15 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.
2. Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and let them rest for a few minutes. Shred the meat if desired.
3. Spoon some of the chipotle sauce from the slow cooker onto the pork chops.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

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This Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork Chops recipe is perfect for a quick dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

I often get questions about making Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork Chops. Here are some specific answers to help you achieve the best results.

What’s the best way to ensure pork chops remain tender when cooked in a slow cooker?

To keep pork chops tender, I recommend using bone-in chops. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking.

And by cooking on low heat for a longer time allows the meat to break down, resulting in tender, juicy pork.

Can pork chops be placed in a slow cooker without browning them first?

Yes, you can place pork chops directly in the slow cooker without browning them. While browning adds extra flavour, it is not necessary. The slow cooking process just makes it taste that much better!

Should pork chops cook on a higher or lower setting in a slow cooker for optimal tenderness?

I prefer to cook pork chops on the low setting. This low-and-slow method breaks down the meat fibres more effectively, ensuring that the chops come out soft and tender.

How does chipotle peppers in adobo sauce complement pork in a slow cooker recipe?

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide a smoky and spicy flavour that pairs well with pork. The rich sauce infuses the meat, enhancing its taste while adding depth and complexity to the dish.

What are the key spices to add for a flavourful chipotle pork chop dish in a slow cooker?

I like to use garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a robust flavour.

What’s the ideal cooking time for chipotle pork chops in a slow cooker to maximize flavour?

I recommend cooking chipotle pork chops for 6 to 8 hours on low. It also ensures the meat is tender and easy to shred.