Crockpot Sweet Chili Pork Chops

Introduction

Crockpot Sweet Chili Pork Chops is a flavorful and fuss-free meal that combines tender, slow-cooked pork chops with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy chili glaze. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a few everyday ingredients and your slow cooker will transform them into a savory, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. This dish delivers the perfect balance of savory soy, garlic, and the bold kick of sweet chili sauce, creating a finger-licking glaze that coats the pork beautifully.

If you love comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist, this is the perfect recipe for you. It’s great for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s effortless, flavorful, and comforting. With minimal prep work, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning pork chops into juicy, tender pieces of heaven. The combination of sweet chili sauce, garlic, soy sauce, and honey creates a sticky, glossy glaze that’s simply irresistible. It’s one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance with joy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Crockpot Sweet Chili Pork Chops recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal — perfect for busy days.
• The sauce is versatile and crowd-pleasing, balancing sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
• Pork chops turn out incredibly tender, soaking up all the sauce’s flavor.
• It’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you likely already have.
• It pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes — a true comfort meal.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours (on LOW) or 3 hours (on HIGH)
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (may vary by cut of pork and sauce brand)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

• 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• ¾ cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger (optional)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat, optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
• 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Season the pork chops: Lightly salt and pepper both sides.
3. Add to slow cooker: Place pork chops in the crockpot and pour the sauce over them.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until tender.
5. Thicken sauce (optional): Mix cornstarch and water; stir into the sauce in the last 15 minutes to thicken.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prep the Pork

• Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• In a medium bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.

Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot

• Place pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Pour the prepared sauce evenly over them.

Step 4: Cook

• Cover with the lid and cook:
  • On LOW: 6 hours for tender, fall-apart texture.
  • On HIGH: 3 hours for faster cooking.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

• If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water.
• Stir into the crockpot sauce during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking and let it thicken.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Transfer pork chops to a plate.
• Spoon the thickened sauce over the top.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and crunch.

How to Serve

Serve these sweet chili pork chops hot with:

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Garlic noodles or lo mein
• Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies
• A fresh cucumber salad or stir-fried greens on the side

They also taste great shredded over rice bowls or tucked into bao buns for a creative twist.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use thicker pork chops for juicier results; thinner ones may dry out faster.
• For added richness, sear the pork chops in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side before placing in the slow cooker.
• If you like it spicier, add extra chili flakes or sriracha.
• Double the sauce if you want extra glaze for drizzling over rice or vegetables.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Thai Version: Add a splash of fish sauce and lime juice for extra depth.
• Honey Garlic Twist: Replace sweet chili sauce with a mix of honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Pineapple Sweet Chili: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical variation.
• Teriyaki Style: Swap sweet chili sauce for teriyaki sauce and omit vinegar.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Before Cooking): Combine pork chops and sauce in a freezer bag, remove air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Freezing (After Cooking): Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker (4–6 quart capacity)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Optional: Skillet for searing, measuring spoons & cups

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes! Bone-in pork chops work beautifully and often turn out even more flavorful and tender.

Q2. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can easily substitute — just reduce cooking time by 30–45 minutes.

Q3. What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can make a quick version using honey, sriracha, ketchup, and a bit of vinegar.

Q4. How can I make this dish less sweet?
Use half the amount of honey or replace it with extra soy sauce for a more savory flavor balance.

Q5. My sauce is too thin — what do I do?
Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and mix it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Crockpot Sweet Chili Pork Chops is the definition of effortless gourmet comfort food. With its perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, it’s a dish that feels both homey and exotic. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, these tender pork chops will win hearts and clean plates. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this slow cooker gem deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.