These slow cooker 4-ingredient spiced apple butter pork chops are the kind of low-effort, high-reward dinner that earns a permanent place in the fall rotation. Apple and pork have long been a natural pairing, and here the apple butter melts into a sweet-savory glaze with warm spice notes that make the whole kitchen smell like October. It is an especially good recipe for busy days because the slow cooker does nearly all the work while turning simple pantry staples into tender, comforting pork chops.
Serve these pork chops with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or simple egg noodles to catch every bit of the sauce. For something green, sautéed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp cabbage slaw balance the sweetness nicely. If you are setting a cozy fall table, warm dinner rolls and a spoonful of extra apple butter on the side fit right in.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Spiced Apple Butter Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker crock if desired for easier cleanup. In a small bowl, stir together the apple butter, onion soup mix, and cinnamon until combined.
2. Place the pork chops in the slow cooker in a slightly overlapping layer. Spoon the apple butter mixture evenly over the top, coating each chop as much as possible.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through. If your chops are thinner, start checking early so they do not overcook.
4. Carefully transfer the pork chops to plates or a serving platter and spoon plenty of the sauce from the slow cooker over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
Use boneless chops: Boneless pork chops work well too, but they usually cook faster and can dry out sooner. Check them early and pull them as soon as they are tender.
Add a savory note: If you want a slightly less sweet finish, add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to the apple butter mixture. That little bit of contrast gives the sauce more depth without making the recipe complicated.
Try it with chicken: This same combination is also excellent with bone-in or boneless chicken thighs. The flavor stays cozy and fall-friendly, and thighs hold up especially well in the slow cooker.
Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the cooked pork chops and transfer the liquid to a small saucepan. Simmer for a few minutes on the stove until it reduces slightly, then spoon it back over the meat.
Make it a full fall dinner: Add small halved potatoes or thick onion wedges around the pork chops for the last couple of hours of cooking if your slow cooker has room. They soak up the sweet-savory sauce and turn this into a more complete one-pot meal.
