These slow cooker 4-ingredient cinnamon apple pork chops are the kind of comforting supper that feels like a little gift at the end of a long day. The sweet apples and warm cinnamon melt into a simple sauce that makes the pork chops tender and cozy, and it is easy to see why this is the sort of meal a thoughtful neighbor would bring to a family with a new baby. It is a wonderful fall dinner, but honestly, it is just as welcome anytime you want something hearty, homey, and hands-off.
This dish is especially nice with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice to catch all that sweet cinnamon-apple sauce. For vegetables, I like simple green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm dinner rolls or a slice of crusty bread on the side make it feel extra special on a chilly evening.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless pork chops, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 packet cinnamon apple drink mix or instant oatmeal mix
1/2 cup apple juice
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker, then arrange the sliced apples across the bottom.
2. Place the pork chops on top of the apples in an even layer.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon apple mix evenly over the pork chops and apples, then pour the apple juice around the edges.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through and the apples are soft.
5. Spoon some of the apples and sauce over each pork chop before serving.
Variations & Tips
For sweeter apples: If your family likes a more dessert-like flavor, use a sweet apple such as Fuji or Honeycrisp. Tart apples work too, but they will give the sauce a little more tang.
For extra spice: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or apple pie spice if you want the kitchen to smell even cozier while this cooks. This is a nice touch in the fall and winter.
For picky eaters: If someone at your table is unsure about cooked fruit with dinner, serve their pork chop with just a little sauce and keep the apples on the side. Sometimes that small change makes the whole meal more family-friendly.
For thicker sauce: If you would like the sauce a bit thicker, remove the pork chops when they are done, then stir 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk it into the hot liquid in the slow cooker. Cover for a few more minutes until slightly thickened.
For best results: Try not to overcook thin pork chops, since they can dry out more quickly. If your pork chops are especially thick, they may need a little extra time, so check that they are fully cooked and tender before serving.