There's just something about coming home to the smell of slow-cooked pork chops - that rich, sweet aroma welcoming you back into your cozy kitchen. These Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops have become a bit of a legend around my family table. It's a dish that feels both homey and special, combining the simple comforts of pork chops with the depth of Italian seasoning and the sweetness of brown sugar. This dish is a nod to those hearty Midwestern meals we adore, with an Italian twist for that little something extra. It’s the perfect choice for a family dinner when you want something that feels like a Sunday feast, but without the fuss.
Now, when it comes to dressing up these succulent pork chops, I like to keep it pretty simple so the flavors of the meat really shine. A side of garlic mashed potatoes always does the trick, soaking up that delicious sauce. For a touch of green, I'll toss a salad with a vinaigrette or steam some fresh green beans. And if there’s any room left on the plate, some buttery corn on the cob never fails to please the crowd.
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Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in pork chops, about 3/4 inch thick
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
1. Begin by giving your pork chops a good seasoning. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub this sweet and savory mixture all over the pork chops, making sure they're well-coated.
3. Heat the olive oil over medium-high in a skillet. Brown the pork chops on each side just until they form a nice crust. This should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Don't skip this step – it locks in the flavors!
4. Place the browned pork chops into the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over them gently. It’ll help create a delicious juice while everything melds together.
5. Put the lid on your slow cooker, set it on low, and go about your day. Let those chops cook for about 6-8 hours or until they're tender to your liking.
6. When dinner time rolls around, you’ve got a dish that’ll make everyone want to gather around the table pronto.
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Variations & Tips
- If you've got picky eaters who aren't so keen on brown sugar, reduce the amount or switch it up with honey for a milder sweetness.
- Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top of the pork chops in the last hour of cooking for a cheesy crust.
- Trying to keep it low-carb? Serve these chops with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
- Leftovers can be a gem! Shred up any remaining pork chops and use them as a savory filling for sandwiches or tacos the next day.
- If you're short on time, you can set the slow cooker on high for 3-4 hours, but slow and low is really the way to go for the most tender and flavorful chops.
- Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top of the pork chops in the last hour of cooking for a cheesy crust.
- Trying to keep it low-carb? Serve these chops with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
- Leftovers can be a gem! Shred up any remaining pork chops and use them as a savory filling for sandwiches or tacos the next day.
- If you're short on time, you can set the slow cooker on high for 3-4 hours, but slow and low is really the way to go for the most tender and flavorful chops.