How to Make Perfect Smoked Pork Chops in the Crockpot

Smoked pork chops cooked in the crockpot are an easy and delicious dinner option. The slow cooker allows the pork chops to become incredibly tender and infused with flavor from the smoky barbecue sauce. These crockpot smoked pork chops can be made with only a handful of ingredients, require minimal prep work, and cook while you are off doing other things Keep reading to learn how to make foolproof smoked pork chops in the slow cooker that your family will request time and time again!

Choosing the Right Pork Chops

The first step in creating tender, juicy smoked pork chops in the crockpot is selecting the right cut of meat. Here are some tips:

• Go for bone-in pork chops that are at least 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 inches thick. The bone helps insulate the meat so it stays moist while the thickness prevents overcooking.

• Avoid super lean or thin boneless chops – these will dry out in the slow cooker.

• Look for chops with good marbling or streaks of fat running through them. The fat bastes the meat as it cooks, keeping it from drying out.

• Buy pork chops individually rather than pre-packaged so you can see thickness and marbling.

• Allow about one thick chop per person, erring on the side of extra since leftovers make great sandwiches.

Seasoning the Pork Chops

To infuse the pork with flavor before cooking, you’ll want to season them. Here’s how:

• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels so the seasoning adheres.

• Sprinkle both sides liberally with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• For extra flavor, you can coat the chops with mustard before seasoning.

• For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili powder.

• Massage the seasoning into the pork so it coats all surfaces.

Layering the Crockpot

To build amazing flavor, smoked pork chops in the crockpot are layered with barbecue sauce:

• Lightly coat the crockpot with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

• Spread a thin layer of your favorite barbecue sauce across the bottom.

• Alternate layers of pork chops and barbecue sauce, pouring a bit of sauce over each layer of meat.

• End with a layer of sauce and arrange chops so they overlap slightly in the center.

• Pour any remaining sauce over the top layer of pork chops.

• Resist overcrowding. The chops need room around them to cook evenly.

Cooking Times

With thick, bone-in pork chops, smoked chops in the slow cooker need plenty of time to become tender:

• Cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours. This long cooking time is key.

• For boneless chops, reduce time to 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours on LOW.

• If cooking on HIGH, go 3-4 hours for bone-in or 1-1 1⁄2 hours for boneless.

• Test earlier if concerned and stir sauce once midway.

• Use a thermometer to test doneness when nearing time – pull chops at 140°F.

Finishing Touches

Before serving your succulent smoked pork chops, there are just a few finishing steps:

• Remove chops to a plate and tent with foil to rest for 5-10 minutes.

• While chops rest, skim excess fat from sauce surface.

• If needed, thicken sauce by whisking in a cornstarch slurry.

• Taste and adjust seasoning of barbecue sauce if desired.

• Serve chops coated in sauce, garnished with parsley or scallions.

• Enjoy with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Choosing the Best Barbecue Sauce

The barbecue sauce is key to infusing the pork chops with smoky, sweet flavor. You have options:

• For convenience, use a high-quality store-bought sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s.

• For authentic barbecue flavor, make your own sauce from scratch. It takes just 15 minutes!

• Opt for sweeter, molasses or brown sugar-based sauces rather than vinegary varieties.

• Hickory and mesquite smoked sauces pair especially well with pork.

• For variation, use a fruit-based barbecue sauce like peach or cherry.

Recipe Variations

While the basic method stays the same, there are lots of ways to customize smoked pork chops in the crockpot:

• Rub the pork with chili powder, cumin, brown sugar and chipotle chili powder for a southwestern flair.

• Use apple, peach, or cherry wood smoked barbecue sauce.

• Add slices of onion, crushed garlic, or chopped chipotle peppers to the crockpot.

• For spicy kick, sprinkle chops with cayenne pepper or hot sauce before cooking.

• Mix citrus juice and zest into the barbecue sauce for tangy flavor.

• Serve pork over cheese grits or baked potatoes rather than mashed.

• Toss chops in your favorite vinaigrette rather than barbecue sauce.

Troubleshooting Crockpot Smoked Pork Chops

Smoky, tender pork chops are easy to achieve with a few simple precautions:

• Always thaw chops fully before cooking to prevent unsafe bacteria growth.

• Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker or chops may steam vs roast.

• Check earlier than recipe states until you know your cooker.

• Use a meat thermometer and stop cooking at 140°F for juicy chops.

• Allow chops to rest before slicing for the juices to reabsorb.

• If sauce won’t thicken, simmer in a pan with cornstarch slurry.

• Prevent dry meat by using proper thickness, fat content, and cooking time.

More Delicious Pork Chop Recipes

Once you’ve mastered basic smoked pork chops in the crockpot, try one of these tasty recipe variations:

• Dr Pepper BBQ Pork Chops – Swap Dr Pepper or root beer for the barbecue sauce.

• Cranberry Glazed Pork Chops – Make a quick sauce from apple cider, cranberries, and orange.

• Peking Pork Chops – Coat chops in a mixture of hoisin, rice vinegar, soy and ginger before cooking.

• Hawaiian Pork Chops – Top cooked chops with grilled pineapple rings and teriyaki glaze.

• Pork Chop Apple Bake – Arrange chops over sliced apples and cider in a casserole dish.

• Beer Braised Pork Chops – Deglaze the pan with beer when browning chops.

So put away those dried out, flavorless pork chops of the past. With just a few simple tips, you can make everyone at your table happy with unbelievably delicious smoked pork chops cooked to tender perfection in the slow cooker. Enjoy!