4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Pork Chops

If you’ve been searching for a weeknight dinner that’s as easy as it is flavorful, these 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Pork Chops are the answer. This recipe delivers tender, juicy pork chops smothered in a luscious sweet and tangy sauce made with just a handful of ingredients. It’s the kind of meal you can set and forget, freeing up your time while your slow cooker works its magic. Perfect for busy days, family dinners, or when you just want something comforting without the fuss.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Pork chops are paired with chopped onion, rich maple syrup, and tangy Dijon mustard to create a perfect balance of flavors. The onions cook down into the sauce, adding subtle sweetness and depth, while the maple and mustard mingle to form a glaze that’s irresistible. Best of all, there’s no need for complicated steps—though a quick sear before slow cooking adds an extra boost of flavor if you have a few minutes to spare.

One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is how adaptable it is. Whether you opt for bone-in or boneless pork chops, choose a robust Dijon mustard or something milder, or even substitute honey for the maple syrup, this recipe will still deliver satisfying results. It’s also a great choice for serving guests, as the slow cooker allows you to prepare the main course ahead of time and focus on your sides or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 4 main ingredients needed
• Hands-off cooking with minimal prep
• Sweet and savory flavors that complement each other perfectly
• Tender, juicy pork every time
• Easy to double for a crowd or scale down for two

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops
1 large white or yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
Olive oil or butter, as needed (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Optional Sear for Extra Flavor

If you have a few extra minutes, searing your pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and sear for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step helps to lock in juices and creates a beautiful caramelized crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Chop a large onion and scatter it evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This not only adds sweetness and depth to the sauce but also keeps the pork elevated slightly, allowing for even cooking.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard until smooth. This simple combination is the heart of the dish—the maple syrup lends a rich, earthy sweetness while the mustard provides tang and a hint of spice.

Step 4: Coat the Pork Chops

If you skipped searing, now is the time to season your pork chops with salt and pepper. Place the pork chops into the bowl with the sauce and turn them to coat completely, ensuring each chop is covered in that glossy mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Arrange the pork chops on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Pour any remaining sauce over the top to make sure none of that flavor goes to waste. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The pork should be tender and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Spoon some of the rich sauce over each pork chop before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success

• Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Artificial syrup will work but won’t have the same depth.
• Don’t overcook—pork chops can become dry if cooked too long, even in a slow cooker.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer it to a small saucepan after cooking and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Variations

• Swap maple syrup for honey for a slightly different sweetness.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
• Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last hour of cooking.
• Use chicken breasts or thighs for a poultry variation of this dish.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the pork moist. This dish also freezes well—store cooked pork chops and sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Pork Chops are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours of active cooking to create a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers tender, flavorful pork that’s sure to impress with almost no effort.

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4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Pork Chops

Tender pork chops slow-cooked with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and onions for a sweet-and-savory dinner made with just four ingredients.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Pork Chops

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 large white or yellow onion chopped
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• Olive oil or butter as needed (optional, for searing)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Optional Searing for Flavor

• While you can absolutely skip this step, searing the pork chops first adds a deeper flavor and locks in juices. Heat a little olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, then sear each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Onion Base

• Scatter the chopped onion evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This will act as a flavorful bed for your pork chops and help keep them from sticking to the base.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard until well blended. The Dijon’s tang cuts through the sweetness of the maple, creating a balanced sauce that coats the pork perfectly.

Step 4: Coat the Pork

• If you skipped searing, season your pork chops now with salt and pepper. Place the pork chops into the bowl of maple-Dijon sauce and turn them a few times to ensure each chop is evenly coated.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Arrange the pork chops over the onions in the slow cooker. Pour any remaining sauce over the top so the flavors can seep into the meat as it cooks. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through (an internal temperature of 145°F).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Plate the pork chops with your favorite sides and drizzle with the sweet-savory sauce from the slow cooker.