Best Apricot Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Chops Recipes

Apricot glazed slow cooker pork chops is a scrumptious and easy-to-make dish that consists of tender pork chops, rich apricot glaze, and a mix of spices that provides a savory and sweet taste. This dish is a perfect alternative for those who want a savory taste, but don’t have enough time to cook dinner after a long day at work. Slow cooker pork chop recipes have become quite popular due to their convenience and ease of preparation. They’re perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or weekend parties.

The ingredients required:

The dish requires only a few ingredients. They include:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (approximately 1-1/2 inches thick)
• 1/2 cup of apricot preserves
• 1 tbsp of minced garlic
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper
• 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

The cooking instructions:

Here’s a guide on how to prepare the apricot glazed slow cooker pork chop recipes:

1. Season the pork chops with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and then brown both sides in a skillet over high heat for approximately 2 minutes on each side.
2. Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.
3. Next, in a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil and minced garlic for approximately 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Add the apricot preserves, balsamic vinegar, and half a cup of water to the saucepan.
5. Stir the ingredients until the glaze is well-mixed.
6. Pour the glaze over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
7. Turn the slow cooker on low heat and let simmer for approximately 4 to 6 hours.
8. When they’re finished cooking, remove the pork chops from the slow cooker, place them on a plate, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.

Variations:

If you want to make some changes to the recipe, here are some variations you can try:

1. Use different types of meat:

If you're not a fan of pork chops or don’t have any available, try this recipe with chicken, beef, or lamb. You can adjust the cook time accordingly for different types of meat.

2. Adjust the spiciness:

If you prefer a spicier taste, consider adding more red pepper flakes to the recipe. For those who don't prefer the heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes from the recipe.

3. Add additional spices:

You can experiment with additional spices like cumin or smoked paprika to add an extra flavor dimension to the dish.

4. Use different types of preserves:

The recipe calls for apricot preserves, but you can substitute with other fruit preserves like peach or raspberry, depending on your preference.

Serving suggestions:

Here are some suggestions on how you can serve the apricot glazed slow cooker pork chops:

• Serve with rice: The dish goes well with rice. You can serve it with plain rice, jasmine rice, or even fried rice.
• Serve with roasted vegetables: Consider pairing the meal with roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for added nutrition.
• Serve with a side salad: A fresh and colorful salad on the side can add a nice contrast to the savory and sweet flavors of the pork chops.
• Pair with a glass of wine: A glass of red wine, like a Pinot Noir or Merlot, pairs nicely with the apricot glazed pork chops.

Conclusion:

Apricot glazed slow cooker pork chops recipes are an excellent option for those who want a delicious meal that doesn't take much time to prepare. The blend of savory and sweet flavors in this recipe creates a taste sensation that will leave you craving more. One of the best things about this recipe is that you can alter it to fit your preferences, making it a versatile dish that you can customize for your mood or occasion. Try it out, and you'll have a sumptuous meal that's guaranteed to impress.

Pork chops are one of the most versatile and easy-to-cook meats that can be used in a variety of recipes. One such recipe that has gained immense popularity is the apricot glazed slow cooker pork chops. Slow-cooking pork chops with an apricot glaze brings out unique flavors that are not only delicious but also healthy. However, cooking pork chops can be challenging as they can dry out quickly, leaving you with a tough and chewy pork chop. To avoid such situations, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when making apricot glazed slow cooker pork chops recipes.

Choosing the right pork chops

The type of pork chop you choose significantly affects the quality of your dish. The most common types of pork chops available in most grocery stores are bone-in or boneless chops. While both varieties can be used in making slow cooker pork chops, bone-in chops are usually more flavorful and tender. This is because the bone helps retain moisture, making the meat softer and juicier. Boneless pork chops, on the other hand, are leaner and cook faster than bone-in chops. If you decide to use boneless chops, make sure to reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

Tip:

To get the best quality pork chops, it's recommended to buy them from a reputable butcher or a trusted grocery store. Look for pork chops that have a nice pinkish color with marbling of fat on the edges as this will add more flavor to your dish.

Brining the pork chops

Brining refers to soaking the pork chops in a saltwater solution for several hours before cooking. This process not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful pork chops. To brine pork chops, mix 1/4 cup of salt with 4 cups of water and leave the chops in the solution for at least 1 hour. You can also add other flavorings such as brown sugar, garlic, and herbs to the brine to enhance the taste.

Tip:

Do not over-brine the pork chops as it can make them too salty. Also, remember to rinse the chops thoroughly with cold water before cooking to remove excess salt.

Seasoning the pork chops

Adding the right seasoning to your pork chops can take your dish to another level. While there are countless ways to season pork chops, using a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is enough to enhance the natural flavor of the meat. You can also add other spices such as paprika, chili powder, or cumin to give it an extra kick.

Tip:

Be careful when adding salt to the pork chops, especially if you have brined them. The brine already contains salt, so it's best to adjust the salt accordingly.

Using the right cooking temperature

Cooking pork chops at a low temperature for an extended period is necessary to achieve tender and juicy pork chops. Slow cooking allows the meat to cook evenly, breaking down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a more tender chop. The ideal temperature for cooking slow cooker pork chops is around 165°F.

Tip:

Avoid cooking pork chops on high heat as it can cause the meat to dry out quickly. Always cook pork chops on low heat for a more extended period of time to achieve the best results.

Adding the apricot glaze

The apricot glaze is what gives this recipe its unique taste. To make the glaze, mix apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce in a bowl. You can also add other ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, and ginger to give it more depth of flavor. Once the pork chops are cooked, brush the glaze over them, and let them cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.

Tip:

Do not add the glaze too early in the cooking process as it can burn and create a bitter taste. Add the glaze in the last hour of cooking to achieve the best results.

Serving the pork chops

Once your apricot glazed slow cooker pork chops are ready, it's time to serve them. Pork chops pair well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also garnish the pork chops with fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or thyme to add more color and flavor.

Tip:

Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.

Conclusion

Cooking apricot glazed slow cooker pork chops can be a fun and unique way to spice up your dinner routine. However, achieving the perfect texture and flavor requires some tips and tricks that can make all the difference. Remember to choose the right pork chops, brine them for added flavor and tenderness, season them well, cook them at a low temperature, and add the apricot glaze in the final hour of cooking. With these valuable tips, you can make a delicious and healthy meal that your family and friends will love.