Why You’ll Love these Sweet & Tangy Pork Chops
These sweet and tangy slow-cooked pork chops might just become your new weeknight hero.
I’m smitten with how the brown sugar, ketchup, and cider vinegar create that perfect balance of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
What’s not to love? They practically cook themselves while you’re handling life’s chaos.
The meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender, soaking up all those delicious juices from the bell peppers and onions.
And that sauce? Divine over white rice.
Perfect for busy parents, meal preppers, or anyone who appreciates a no-fuss dinner with maximum flavor payoff.
What Ingredients are in Sweet & Tangy Pork Chops?
These slow-cooked pork chops come together with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that create the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The magic happens when these simple components meld together in the slow cooker, transforming ordinary pork chops into something truly special. I’m always amazed at how a few everyday ingredients can create such a delicious, complex-tasting sauce.
- 6-8 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 medium onions, sliced lengthwise
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 4-5 bell peppers, sliced lengthwise
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 1/2 cups ketchup
- 10 teaspoons cider vinegar
- 5 teaspoons lemon juice
- 5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 5 teaspoons brown sugar
When shopping for your pork chops, you can opt for either bone-in or boneless depending on your preference—bone-in tends to have more flavor, while boneless is easier to eat. Feel free to use any color bell peppers you like or have on hand; a mix of red, yellow, and green creates beautiful color in the dish. And while the recipe calls for specific measurements of vinegar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, don’t stress if you need to adjust slightly based on what you have available. The beauty of slow cooking is its forgiving nature, giving you room to make the recipe your own.
How to Make these Sweet & Tangy Pork Chops
Making these mouthwatering pork chops couldn’t be simpler—it’s all about layering flavors and letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
Start by placing your vegetables at the bottom of your crockpot: 2 medium onions sliced lengthwise, 2 chopped celery ribs, and 4-5 sliced bell peppers. This veggie bed creates a flavorful foundation and prevents the pork from sticking to the bottom.
Next, season your 6-8 pork chops with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, then arrange them on top of the vegetable layer.
Now for the tangy-sweet sauce that makes this dish special! In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups water, 2 1/2 cups ketchup, 10 teaspoons cider vinegar, 5 teaspoons lemon juice, 5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and 5 teaspoons brown sugar. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended—I like to whisk it vigorously to make sure the brown sugar fully dissolves.
Pour this gorgeous ruby-colored sauce over your pork chops, making sure they’re well coated. Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to low for 5-6 hours or high for 2 1/2-3 hours. The longer cooking time on low really allows the flavors to meld together, but the high setting works perfectly when you’re short on time.
When the cooking time is up, you’ll be rewarded with tender pork chops that practically fall apart with the touch of a fork. The vegetables will have softened and absorbed all those wonderful flavors, while the sauce will have thickened slightly into a beautiful glaze.
Serve these delicious pork chops over a bed of fluffy white rice, which soaks up the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully. You might want to spoon a little extra sauce over everything—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop of this flavor-packed goodness.
And don’t forget to include some of those tender, sauce-infused vegetables alongside each serving!
Sweet & Tangy Pork Chops Substitutions and Variations
While this slow-cooker recipe creates perfect pork chops as written, you’ve got plenty of options to customize it to your taste or pantry availability.
Don’t have bell peppers? Try poblanos for a smoky kick or sweet mini peppers for a milder flavor. The brown sugar can be swapped for honey or maple syrup, which adds different depth to the tangy sauce.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier, but boneless work fine if you reduce cooking time slightly.
Want it more savory? Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce mixture.
What to Serve with Sweet & Tangy Pork Chops
The perfect sides for these sweet and tangy pork chops can transform your meal from simply satisfying to absolutely memorable.
I recommend serving them over fluffy white rice as the recipe suggests—it’s ideal for soaking up that delicious sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a revitalizing contrast to the rich pork.
Want something heartier? Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob complement these chops beautifully.
For a complete comfort meal, add some homemade biscuits or cornbread on the side. Hungry yet? I know I am.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve covered all the delicious side options, I’m wrapping up with some heartfelt thoughts on this slow-cooked pork chop recipe.
This dish truly shines in its simplicity, letting the sweet and tangy sauce work its magic on tender pork. What makes it special? The perfect balance of ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar creates that irresistible flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
The beauty of slow cooking is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, don’t you think?
With minimal prep and hands-off cooking time, you’re free to focus on your side dishes or, better yet, put your feet up!
