These slow cooker 4-ingredient cranberry BBQ pork chops are the kind of easy recipe that feels a little special without making extra work for the cook. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce melts into barbecue sauce around the pork as it cooks, making a rich, glossy sauce that tastes like something you fussed over all day. It is especially handy around the holidays, but it is simple enough for any busy weeknight when you want a comforting dinner on the table with almost no effort.
Serve these pork chops with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice to catch every bit of that cranberry barbecue sauce. For vegetables, green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple salad balance the sweetness nicely, and if you are leaning into a holiday-style meal, a side of stuffing and a spoonful of extra cranberry sauce fit right in.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Cranberry BBQ Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce, 14 ounces
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 packet onion soup mix, 1 ounce
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then place the pork chops in an even layer in the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and onion soup mix until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork chops, spreading it gently so each chop is coated.
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 serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles if you like.
Variations & Tips
Use bone-in chops: Bone-in pork chops work nicely too, though they may need a little more time to become tender. Just make sure they are cooked through before serving.
For a smoother sauce: If your family prefers a less chunky texture, whisk the cranberry sauce before mixing it with the barbecue sauce and soup mix so the finished sauce is more even.
Make it holiday-style: Serve these with stuffing, roasted sweet potatoes, or green beans for a meal that feels perfect for Thanksgiving weekend without roasting a whole turkey.
For picky eaters: Choose a mild, sweet barbecue sauce if you are serving kids or anyone who does not enjoy smoky or spicy flavors. The sweeter sauce pairs especially well with the tart cranberries.
Keep the pork tender: Try not to overcook lean boneless pork chops, especially on high heat. Check them at the early end of the cooking range so they stay moist and easy to cut.