Crockpot Pineapple Pork Chops

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and tropical, then Crockpot Pineapple Pork Chops are a must-try! This recipe combines juicy, tender pork chops with the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple, creating a dish that is both savory and refreshing. The slow cooker allows the pork chops to absorb the pineapple’s natural sweetness and tenderizes them to perfection, while the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep—just layer everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic. The result is a delightful balance of flavors that tastes like something you’d order in a restaurant but with the comfort of home cooking.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s such a unique twist on pork chops. The tropical sweetness of pineapple paired with the savory richness of pork creates a beautiful harmony. I also love how versatile it is—you can serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even tuck the tender pork into sliders for a fun variation. Most of all, I love how the crockpot does all the hard work for you, leaving the pork chops incredibly tender without constant attention.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Flavor Explosion: Sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.
• Low Effort, High Reward: Minimal prep with maximum flavor payoff.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the sweetness from pineapple.
• Versatile: Great for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
• Balanced Meal: Pair it with vegetables or grains for a complete dish.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6–7 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~380 per serving
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American (with tropical/Hawaiian influence)

Ingredients

• 6 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices or chunks in juice (not syrup), with juice reserved
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce, optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Layer Base: Place sliced onion and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add Pork Chops: Lay pork chops on top of the onion-garlic mixture.
3. Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice (from the can), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add Pineapple: Pour sauce over the pork chops and top with pineapple slices or chunks.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until pork chops are tender.
6. Optional Sauce Thickening: Remove pork chops and pineapple. Pour sauce into a saucepan, whisk in cornstarch slurry, and simmer until thickened. Pour back over pork chops.
7. Serve Hot: Spoon sauce and pineapple over the pork chops before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Slice the onion and mince garlic, place them at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Place pork chops over the onion layer.
3. Drain pineapple, reserving the juice. Keep slices or chunks for later.
4. Whisk pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
5. Pour sauce over pork chops. Place pineapple slices/chunks on top.
6. Cover and cook:
   • Low: 6–7 hours
   • High: 3–4 hours
7. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove pork chops at the end, simmer sauce with cornstarch slurry, and return sauce to crockpot.
8. Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over pork chops.

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed white rice or coconut rice for a tropical touch.
• Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
• For a party or casual dinner, shred the pork and serve on Hawaiian rolls for sliders.
• A fresh side salad with citrus dressing complements the sweet-savory balance.

Recipe Tips

• Use boneless chops for easier serving, but bone-in chops add more flavor.
• Don’t skip the vinegar—it balances the sweetness of pineapple and sugar.
• For extra depth, sear pork chops in a skillet before adding to the crockpot.
• Always use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup, to avoid an overly sweet dish.

Variations

1. Spicy Pineapple Pork Chops: Add sliced jalapeños or more chili flakes.
2. Hawaiian Style: Add bell peppers and shredded coconut for a colorful, island-inspired dish.
3. BBQ Pineapple Pork Chops: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet version.
4. Ginger-Sesame Twist: Add sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
5. Tropical Mix: Use pineapple and mango chunks together for more fruitiness.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Place cooked pork chops with sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of pineapple juice if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Saucepan (if thickening sauce)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, but you’ll need about 2 cups of pineapple chunks and ½ cup pineapple juice for the sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of pork?
A: Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work wonderfully.

Q3: Should I sear the pork chops before adding them to the crockpot?
A: It’s optional. Searing adds a nice caramelized crust and extra flavor but isn’t necessary.

Q4: Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
A: Yes, simmer in a covered skillet over low heat for about 1 hour, turning occasionally.

Q5: How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
A: Use thicker chops (at least 1 inch), cook on low heat, and don’t overcook.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pineapple Pork Chops are a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that brings together the best of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy meat that pairs beautifully with the tropical brightness of pineapple. Whether you’re serving it over rice for a casual weeknight meal or dressing it up for guests, this dish is always a winner. It’s simple, satisfying, and a great way to elevate everyday pork chops into something truly special.