Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This slow cooker pork chops and apples recipe is your answer. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory, tender and juicy, making it a fantastic healthy meal option for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its simplest and most delicious!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. Chop the onion. This simple prep work makes the cooking process a breeze.
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Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the pork chops on top of the onions. Evenly distribute the sliced apples over the pork chops.
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Create the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this flavorful mixture over the pork chops and apples in the slow cooker.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The longer cooking time ensures incredibly tender and juicy pork chops.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the pork chops and apples from the slow cooker. You can serve them directly from the slow cooker or transfer them to a serving platter. Spoon the delicious sauce over the pork chops and apples before serving. This simple dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pork Chops:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space between the pork chops for even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker pork chops may require slightly longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
Variations:
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different apples: Experiment with your favorite apple variety. Tart apples will create a more balanced flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This slow cooker pork chops and apples recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights, and the result is a truly satisfying and healthy meal. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish, and remember to share your culinary creations with us!