There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker supper, especially once the weather turns and the kitchen starts calling for simple, hearty meals. These 4-ingredient honey Dijon pork chops are the kind of recipe busy home cooks keep tucked in a recipe box for years: easy on the budget, easy on the hands, and full of that sweet-tangy flavor that makes plain pork chops taste like you fussed all day. It is a fine Midwestern sort of meal too, making good use of pantry staples and letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while the whole house fills with a warm, savory smell.

Serve these pork chops over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice so none of that honey mustard sauce goes to waste. On the side, green beans, glazed carrots, or simple roasted broccoli fit right in, and a pan of warm dinner rolls never hurt a thing. If you want to brighten the plate, a crisp apple slaw or little side salad gives a nice fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Honey Dijon Pork Chops

Servings: 4

Slow cooker honey dijon pork chops in a black slow cooker
Slow cooker honey dijon pork chops in a black slow cooker

Ingredients

4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick

1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup honey
1 packet ranch seasoning mix, about 1 ounce

Directions

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker crock if you like easier cleanup, then arrange the pork chops in the bottom in a mostly even layer.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard, honey, and ranch seasoning until smooth and well blended.

3. Pour the sauce over the pork chops and turn them gently so they are well coated on all sides.

4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.

5. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops before serving, and if you want an extra nice finish, let the chops rest a few minutes so the juices settle back into the meat.

Variations & Tips

Use thicker chops: Thick-cut pork chops hold up best in the slow cooker and stay juicier than very thin ones. If your chops are on the thin side, check them early so they do not overcook.

Make the sauce creamier: If your family likes a richer gravy-style sauce, stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream right at the end after cooking. That gives the glaze a softer, silkier finish that is lovely over potatoes.

Add a little color: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few cracked black pepper turns on top makes the finished dish look fresher and prettier on the table, especially for company or Sunday supper.

Turn it into a full meal: You can nestle in a few baby carrots or small halved potatoes around the pork chops if you want to stretch dinner further. Just keep in mind the sauce is the star, so do not crowd the slow cooker too much.

Store leftovers well: Leftover pork chops keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a spoonful of extra water or broth so the sauce loosens back up instead of getting too thick.