Orange Rosemary Slow Cooker Pork Chops
This Orange Rosemary Slow Cooker Pork Chop recipe is a simple, flavorful, and tender dish. Seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and spices, the pork chops are cooked in an orange juice sauce and topped with fresh orange slices for a citrusy burst of flavor. Perfect for effortless weeknight dinners!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Tips
- Make a Sauce: If you have leftover orange juice in the crockpot, turn it into a sauce. Add 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch to the orange juice mixture and simmer on the stovetop over low heat until thickened. Drizzle over pork chops or rice.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, marinate the pork chops in orange juice for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for stronger flavor). Then bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Use Bone-In Chops: For even more flavor, use bone-in pork chops. Adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a little longer.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh rosemary, use it instead of dried rosemary for a stronger, aromatic flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 8 ounces orange juice
- 1-2 fresh oranges, sliced
Substitutions
- Orange Juice: Substitute fresh-squeezed orange juice for store-bought for a fresher taste.
- Brown Sugar: Swap with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Pork Chops: Use chicken thighs or pork tenderloin as an alternative. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Lay the pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker pot.
- Season the Pork: In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the tops of the pork chops.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar and orange juice. Stir until dissolved, then pour over the pork chops.
- Add Orange Slices: Slice 1-2 oranges and arrange the slices on top of the pork chops.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3.5 hours or low for 6-8 hours, until the pork is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 145°F).
- Optional Sauce: For an orange glaze, transfer leftover liquid from the crockpot to a saucepan. Simmer with cornstarch until thickened, then drizzle over the pork chops before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pork chops with your favorite sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
FAQs
Yes, bone-in pork chops work well and add more flavor. Adjust the cooking time as they may take longer to become tender.
You can marinate the pork chops in orange juice and bake them in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker pot, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, set the slow cooker to cook as directed.
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Pair them with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Stir-fried greens like broccoli or bok choy also complement the citrusy flavors beautifully.
These Orange Rosemary Slow Cooker Pork Chops offer a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy the ease and taste of this comforting dish!
Orange Rosemary Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- salt and pepper
- 3 tbs brown sugar
- 8 oz orange juice
- 1-2 oranges sliced
Instructions
- Lay the pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker pot.
- Peel and mince a clove of garlic, then add to a small bowl. Add the rosemary, and sprinkle some salt and pepper in. Stir to combine the spices.
- Divide the spice mixture between the 4 pork chops, then spread it over the tops of them.
- Add the brown sugar and orange juice to a bowl, stir to combine, and pour into the slow cooker.
- Cut the orange(s) into slices and place on top of the pork chops.
- Plug the slow cooker in, and cook on high for 3.5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
