Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes
Slow cooker pork chops and sweet potatoes are a wonderful combination of savory and sweet. The recipe is ideal for those busy weeknights or when you want a healthy dinner without the fuss. This recipe promises tenderness and flavor with every bite.
DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by the Utah Pork Producers Association. As always, the opinions are honest and are all my own.
What We Love About This Recipe
- The recipe tastes amazing, features tender pork, and is an easy recipe.
- Pork is rich in protein, offering 22-24 grams for every three ounces consumed.
- Looking for a lean protein option? Pork is as lean as chicken breast. Despite its leanness, pork tends to be more satisfying and filling.
- Purchasing pork at any grocery store in the United States supports family farms in Utah and across the U.S.
My grandfather was a farmer, and supporting other farms means a lot to me and my family. Plus, we love pork around here and eat it often.
Ingredients Spotlight
- Boneless pork chops: A lean choice that becomes irresistibly tender in the slow cooker.
- Sweet potatoes: Rich in Vitamin C and a sweet complement to the savory pork.
- Brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- Chicken broth: Provides the moisture needed for the pork chops to cook to perfection.
- Spices: A little bit of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Onion: They bring a depth of flavor that complements the sweet potatoes and the pork chops‘ savory richness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: this magic ingredient helps tenderize the pork as it cooks.
- Orange juice: OJ adds a citrusy flavor to the recipe.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start by adding the cubed potatoes and diced onions to the Crock Pot.
Next, sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper on top of the veggies.
Place the pork chops into the cooker and pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar over the top, dispersing the seasonings. Sprinkle some brown sugar on the pork, place the slow cooker lid on top, and cook on low for eight hours.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a testament to the power of slow cooking. The long, low cooking time ensures a tender, juicy result.
Variations for Next Time
- Consider adding apple slices for an extra layer of flavor.
- For those who enjoy a bit of tang, cranberry sauce makes a delightful accompaniment.
- A tablespoon of soy sauce can deepen the savory notes, creating a complex flavor profile.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes
- Add a simple side salad from Belly Full.
- Green beans and bacon
- Homemade dinner rolls
- Moist Jiffy cornbread
Tips for Perfect Results
- If you have bone-in pork chops, they can also be used for this recipe, adding even more flavor.
- A low setting is crucial for that fall-apart tenderness, so resist the temptation to crank up the heat.
How Do You Determine How Long to Cook This Dish?
The cooking time for this slow cooker pork dish is based on the thickness of the pork chops and the cooker’s setting. Cooking on low for eight hours ensures the pork chops are tender and flavorful without drying out.
How Do You Determine When the Dish is Done Cooking?
Check that the pork chops are tender to the fork and have reached an internal temperature of 145° degrees. You can use a digital thermometer to check the temperature. Make sure you place it in the thickest part of the pork.
Slow cooker pork chops and sweet potatoes are a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights. It’s like hitting the easy button for dinner. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by the time you’re home, you’ve got a delicious meal packed with all the good stuff your family needs, and it tastes amazing. No more dinner time stress or worrying about whether they’re getting a healthy meal. It’s all there, ready to make your evening much smoother and tastier.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4-6 boneless thick-cut pork chops
- 3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 16 ounces chicken broth
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Add the sweet potatoes and onions to the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper over the top. - Place the pork chops on top of the potatoes.
Pour the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice over the pork chops.
Sprinkle the brown sugar on top.
Place the lid on top and cook on low heat for eight hours or until the pork chops are tender.
