Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 4 Boneless Pork Chops (Thick-cut, about 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For searing)
• to taste Kosher Salt (For seasoning)
• to taste Black Pepper (For seasoning)
• 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic (Freshly minced for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup Honey (Pure clover honey)
• 1/4 cup Chicken Broth (Low sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (For thickening the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Water (Cold water, for cornstarch slurry)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the pork chops generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear the seasoned pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side, until deeply golden brown. Searing helps to lock in the juices and adds flavor. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Transfer the seared pork chops to the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, honey, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. This creates the honey garlic sauce.
6. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the seared pork chops in the slow cooker, ensuring they are mostly covered.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 4 hours. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, but cooking on low is recommended for maximum tenderness. Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
8. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This prevents the sauce from becoming lumpy.
9. Gently stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Replace the lid and allow to cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the pork chops are very tender.
10. Once the pork chops are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
11. Serve the slow cooker honey garlic pork chops immediately over a bed of mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Spoon the extra honey garlic sauce generously over the pork chops and your chosen side dish.