There’s something truly magical about the slow cooker. It transforms tough cuts into fall-apart tender masterpieces and infuses flavors deeply with minimal effort. Today, we’re harnessing that magic to create a dish that’s both comforting and surprisingly elegant: Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Pork Chops. Imagine succulent pork chops, bathed in a luscious, sweet, and tangy peach glaze, slowly simmering to perfection. This recipe is a weeknight warrior’s dream, requiring just a few minutes of prep before your slow cooker takes over, leaving you with a delicious meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who appreciates a good meal but often has a busy schedule, the slow cooker is my secret weapon. This Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Pork Chops recipe embodies everything I love about hands-off cooking. The pork chops become incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, and the peach glaze is simply divine. It’s not overly sweet; the subtle tang from the peaches and the savory notes from the pork create a beautiful balance. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as this cooks? Absolutely intoxicating. It’s a perfect dish for transitioning seasons, bringing a touch of summer sweetness to a cozy, comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4-6 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 (15-ounce) can sliced peaches in light syrup, undrained
- ½ cup peach preserves or apricot preserves
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water for a slurry)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops can also be used, but they might require a slightly longer cooking time. Adjust according to their thickness. You can also use pork loin or tenderloin, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Peaches: While canned peaches are convenient, you could use fresh peaches if they’re in season. Just slice them and add a little extra liquid (like chicken broth or water) to the slow cooker if the mixture seems too thick.
- Preserves: Apricot preserves make an excellent substitute for peach preserves, offering a similar sweet and tangy profile.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of peach preserves slightly.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick to your glaze.
Steps to Your Tender Peach-Glazed Pork Chops
- Prepare Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the undrained canned peaches, peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the peach glaze mixture evenly over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the pork chops are very tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chops.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional but Recommended): Once the pork chops are cooked, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm. If you desire a thicker glaze, switch the slow cooker to HIGH (if not already there). In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the peach sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Return the pork chops to the slow cooker (or pour the thickened glaze over them on your serving platter). Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, pork chops can still dry out if overcooked, especially boneless ones. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time.
- Searing First (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, you can quickly sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This creates a nice crust but isn’t strictly necessary for a delicious result.
- Taste and Adjust: Before thickening, taste your glaze. If it needs more sweetness, add a little brown sugar or honey. If it needs more tang, a splash more apple cider vinegar will do the trick.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Pork Chops are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with classic comfort sides. I love serving them with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf to soak up all that amazing peach glaze. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make excellent green vegetable companions. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside something like This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is my Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit for a true feast, or even some This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is my Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor if you’re looking for another savory side.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Pork Chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much upon cooling, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to loosen it up.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful meals, especially those made in the slow cooker, you’ll want to check out these other recipes:
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers: An absolute party favorite, perfect for game day or any gathering.
- These Easy Turkey Wings are my Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays: Another fantastic way to enjoy tender poultry with minimal effort.
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas: While not a slow cooker recipe, it’s another simple comfort food classic.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Pork Chops are a testament to how simple ingredients and a little patience can create truly memorable meals. The tender pork and the sweet-savory glaze make for a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try, and let your slow cooker do all the hard work!
I’d love to hear how these peach-glazed pork chops turn out for you! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes.
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