🍍 Slow Cooker Amish Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
These Slow Cooker Amish Sweet and Sour Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and coated in a delicious sweet-and-tangy sauce. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this comforting slow cooker dinner brings together savory pork chops, a hint of sweetness, and a flavorful sauce the whole family will love.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or a cozy weekend meal, this easy recipe lets your slow cooker do most of the work!
🛒 Ingredients
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
Ingredients
4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 small onion, thinly sliced
½ cup pineapple chunks, optional
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water, optional for thickening
The core sweet-and-sour sauce uses ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Soy sauce, onion, and pineapple add extra flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil.
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced onion and optional pineapple chunks around the pork.
Step 4: Pour in the Sauce
Pour the sweet-and-sour mixture evenly over the pork chops, coating each piece as much as possible.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Check the pork toward the earlier end of the cooking range. Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. Avoid overcooking, since lean pork chops can dry out.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, carefully transfer some cooking liquid to a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened. Alternatively, stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the final 20–30 minutes, allowing it to heat thoroughly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Place the pork chops on serving plates and spoon the sweet-and-sour sauce over the top. Serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
⭐ Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Choose thicker chops: About 1 inch thick helps prevent the pork from drying out too quickly.
Balance the flavor: Add a little extra vinegar for more tang or a little brown sugar for additional sweetness.
Use pineapple for a fruity twist: Pineapple chunks complement the sauce beautifully.
Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
Thicken only if needed: The sauce may be thin after slow cooking; a cornstarch slurry gives it a glossy finish.
Reduce sodium: Choose reduced-sodium soy sauce if desired.
🍽️ What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
These pork chops pair perfectly with:
Steamed white or brown rice
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Roasted carrots
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Cabbage slaw
For a complete dinner, serve the pork chops over fluffy rice with a side of steamed broccoli and extra sauce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes! Bone-in chops work well, but cooking time may vary. Check the thickest part with a meat thermometer.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but adjust the cooking time and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use canned pineapple?
Absolutely. Drain the pineapple before adding it. Pineapple packed in juice works well, while syrup-packed pineapple will make the dish sweeter.
Will the sauce be thick?
The sauce is usually pourable after slow cooking. For a thicker consistency, simmer it in a saucepan with a cornstarch slurry.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the sauce and slice the onion ahead of time. Store the sauce separately in the refrigerator from the raw pork, then assemble everything just before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate the pork chops and sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3–4 days.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Freeze cooled pork chops with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat them?
Warm the pork chops gently in a covered skillet with the sauce, or microwave in short intervals. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
🥄 Recipe at a Glance
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Amish-inspired American comfort food
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
Main Ingredients: Pork chops, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce
Best For: Family dinners, busy weeknights, and comforting slow cooker meals
📊 Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
Approximate values for one pork chop with sauce, without optional pineapple or thickener:
Calories: 300–400
Protein: 28–38 g
Carbohydrates: 15–25 g
Fat: 12–22 g
Sodium: 500–900 mg
Nutrition varies with pork chop size and ingredient brands. These values are estimates, not laboratory-tested results.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker pork chop recipe combines tender meat with a rich, sweet-and-tangy sauce for a comforting dinner that takes very little hands-on effort. The ingredients are simple, the flavors are family-friendly, and the sauce is delicious spooned over rice or potatoes.