Welcome to Your New Favorite Dinner: Crock Pot Pork Chops with Pickled Red Cabbage

Imagine coming home after a long day, your home filled with the mouthwatering aroma of tender pork chops that practically cooked themselves. That’s the joy of using a crock pot—minimal effort, maximum flavor. And when paired with the zesty tang of pickled red cabbage, you’ve got a dinner that’s not just filling, but also refreshingly different.

Creating this dish might sound gourmet, but it’s surprisingly simple and perfect for beginners looking to impress or anyone wanting to spice up their meal routine. Let me take you through a foolproof recipe that will light up your taste buds and might just become a regular on your dinner table.

Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe

  • Effortless Cooking: The crock pot does most of the work for you, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
  • A Flavorful Twist: The pickled red cabbage adds a vibrant, tangy contrast to the rich, juicy pork chops.
  • Adaptable: Easily tweak the spices or the kind of cabbage based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
  • Leftover Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, making your meal planning a breeze.

What You’ll Need for Crock Pot Pork Chops

  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 1 bay leaf

Ingredients for Pickled Red Cabbage

  • 1 small red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Pork Chops

Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish:

  • Prep the pork chops: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  • Brown the chops: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to your crock pot.
  • Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking until they're soft and translucent. Spoon over the chops in the crock pot.
  • Add liquids and seasonings: Mix the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and apple slices in the skillet, bring to a simmer, then pour over the chops. Add a bay leaf for extra flavor.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork should be tender and cooked through.
  • Remove the bay leaf: Before serving, make sure to remove the bay leaf from the crock pot.

How to Make Pickled Red Cabbage

  • Combine pickling ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pepper, and mustard seeds (if using). Bring to a boil.
  • Add the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage and smashed garlic to the saucepan, stirring well to ensure it's covered in the pickling liquid.
  • Cool and refrigerate: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a jar or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, better if overnight.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Pork Chops

  • Pork chop thickness: Opt for chops that are at least 1-inch thick to ensure they stay juicy during the slow cooking process.
  • Maximize flavor: Don’t skip browning the chops as it adds a deep, caramelized flavor that enhances the dish.
  • Adjusting tartness: If you find the pickled cabbage too tart, balance it with a bit more sugar to your taste before refrigerating.

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Did this recipe make it to your dinner table? How did it turn out? Leave a comment below! If you tweaked the recipe or have tips to share, I’m all ears. Cooking is all about making each recipe your own, and I cherish all the creative ways we can make dishes special and personally satisfying.

And if you loved this simple, savory meal, don’t forget to share it with friends and family who are always on the lookout for stress-free, delicious dinner solutions. Happy cooking!

Ready to Serve and Enjoy

There you have it—a succulent pork chop meal brimming with the comforting, robust flavors of home-cooked goodness paired with the snappy zest of pickled red cabbage. It’s a culinary hug that promises to deliver not just great taste, but also easy cooking. So tie on your apron, set the crock pot, and prepare for a dish that's sure to win compliments from around your table!

If you’ve given these crock pot pork chops a try, isn’t it rewarding when a recipe turns out just as you hoped—or maybe even better? That feeling is what cooking is all about, and I’m grateful to have shared this recipe journey with you. Until next time, keep feeding your culinary curiosity!