Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pork Chops
There are some dinners that just feel like a win before you even sit down at the table. You know the kind. You walk through the door after a long day, shoes kicked off, kids asking what’s for dinner, and the house smells like something’s been cooking with intention all day long. That’s exactly what these Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pork Chops are to me.
This is one of those recipes I stumbled into years ago when I needed something easy but still wanted dinner to feel special. I had pork chops in the fridge, a slow cooker on the counter, and a half bottle of Dr Pepper left over from the weekend. One of those what if moments turned into a recipe that’s been on repeat ever since.
I love meals like this because they fit real life. You season the meat, stir together a quick sauce, and let time do the rest. No standing over the stove. No juggling pans. Just steady, reliable comfort that shows up right when you need it most. By the time dinner rolls around, the pork is tender, the sauce is thick and glossy, and everyone at the table is suddenly very quiet because they’re too busy eating.
This is the kind of meal I make on busy school nights, lazy Sundays, or anytime I want dinner to feel cozy without putting in a ton of effort. It’s sweet, savory, and familiar in the best way, and it pairs with just about anything you’ve got on hand. Mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, even a piece of bread to swipe through that sauce.
If you’re looking for a slow cooker recipe that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day, this one’s for you.
What Are Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pork Chops?
Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pork Chops are boneless pork chops cooked low and slow in a sweet barbecue inspired sauce made with Dr Pepper, brown sugar, and pantry spices. As the pork cooks, the soda caramelizes into the sauce, creating a rich glaze that coats every bite. The result is tender pork with a balance of sweetness and savory depth that feels both fun and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal prep: You only need about ten minutes to get everything into the slow cooker, making this perfect for busy days.
- Incredibly tender pork: The slow cooker breaks the pork down gently so every bite is juicy and fork tender.
- Sweet and savory balance: Dr Pepper and barbecue sauce create a glaze that hits all the right notes without being overpowering.
- Family friendly: This is a crowd pleaser that kids and adults both love, no special tastes required.
- Versatile serving options: Serve it over potatoes, rice, noodles, or even on sandwich buns.
When to Serve This Recipe
- Weeknight dinners: This is an easy set it and forget it meal that saves time after a long day.
- Sunday suppers: Perfect for slow weekends when you want dinner to feel cozy and relaxed.
- Potlucks or gatherings: These pork chops travel well and stay warm in the slow cooker.
- Meal prep days: Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches or second dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick
Use evenly sized chops so they cook at the same rate and stay tender. - 1 teaspoon salt
This seasons the pork directly and helps bring out all the other flavors. - ½ teaspoon black pepper
Adds gentle warmth without overpowering the sauce. - 1 small onion thinly sliced
The onion softens as it cooks and melts into the sauce for extra flavor. - 3 cloves garlic minced
Fresh garlic gives the sauce a deeper savory base. - 1 cup Dr Pepper not diet
Regular soda is important here since the sugar helps create the glaze. - ½ cup barbecue sauce sweet and smoky works best
Choose a sauce you already love because it plays a big role in the final flavor. - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Adds richness and helps the sauce caramelize. - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Brings depth and umami to balance the sweetness. - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
A little acidity keeps the sauce from being too sweet. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Adds subtle smokiness without heat. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Boosts the garlic flavor throughout the sauce. - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Used at the end to thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze. - 1 tablespoon cold water
Mixed with cornstarch to prevent lumps. - Chopped parsley for garnish
Optional but adds a fresh pop of color before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pork Chops
Step 1: Layer the pork
Place the pork chops in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. Scatter the sliced onion and minced garlic over the top. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Everything will settle as it cooks.
Step 2: Mix the sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dr Pepper, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Take a second to smell it. That’s how you know dinner is going to be good.
Step 3: Pour and cook
Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops. Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours. The pork should be very tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
Step 4: Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour it into the slow cooker and gently stir around the pork. Cover and cook on High for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if you like, then serve the pork chops with plenty of sauce spooned over each one.
Substitutions
- Dr Pepper alternatives: Cola, root beer, or cherry cola all work and give slightly different flavor notes.
- Pork chop swaps: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used with the same cook time and sauce.
- Barbecue sauce options: Use spicy, honey, or smoky barbecue sauce to change the overall vibe.
- Gluten free version: Make sure your barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten free.
Variations
- Spicy Dr Pepper pork chops: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to bring some heat.
- Cherry barbecue version: Use Dr Pepper Cherry and add cherry preserves for a sweet smoky twist.
- Pulled pork style: Shred the pork after cooking and serve on buns with extra sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Use regular soda: Diet soda will not caramelize the same way and can affect texture.
- Avoid overcooking: Even in a slow cooker, pork can dry out if left too long past the recommended time.
- Adjust sauce thickness: If the glaze gets too thick, stir in a splash of Dr Pepper or broth.
- Layer evenly: Keeping the pork in a single layer helps everything cook evenly.
FAQs
Can I use bone in pork chops?
Yes, bone in chops work well. You may need to add a little extra cooking time.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It’s balanced. The vinegar and Worcestershire keep the sweetness in check.
Serving Ideas
- Mashed potatoes: Perfect for soaking up every bit of that sauce.
- Steamed rice: Simple and comforting with the sweet savory glaze.
- Buttered egg noodles: A kid favorite that pairs beautifully with the pork.
- Roasted vegetables: Balance the richness with carrots or green beans.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Freezer friendly: Freeze cooked pork and sauce for up to two months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with extra sauce.
- Make ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 6 boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup Dr Pepper not diet
- ½ cup barbecue sauce sweet and smoky works best
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Layer the pork – Place the pork chops in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. Scatter the sliced onion and minced garlic over the top. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Everything will settle as it cooks.
- Step 2: Mix the sauce – In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dr Pepper, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Take a second to smell it. That’s how you know dinner is going to be good.
- Step 3: Pour and cook – Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops. Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours. The pork should be very tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
- Step 4: Thicken the sauce – In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour it into the slow cooker and gently stir around the pork. Cover and cook on High for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Step 5: Finish and serve – Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if you like, then serve the pork chops with plenty of sauce spooned over each one.
Notes
Substitutions
- Dr Pepper alternatives: Cola, root beer, or cherry cola all work and give slightly different flavor notes.
- Pork chop swaps: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used with the same cook time and sauce.
- Barbecue sauce options: Use spicy, honey, or smoky barbecue sauce to change the overall vibe.
- Gluten free version: Make sure your barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten free.
Variations
- Spicy Dr Pepper pork chops: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to bring some heat.
- Cherry barbecue version: Use Dr Pepper Cherry and add cherry preserves for a sweet smoky twist.
- Pulled pork style: Shred the pork after cooking and serve on buns with extra sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Use regular soda: Diet soda will not caramelize the same way and can affect texture.
- Avoid overcooking: Even in a slow cooker, pork can dry out if left too long past the recommended time.
- Adjust sauce thickness: If the glaze gets too thick, stir in a splash of Dr Pepper or broth.
- Layer evenly: Keeping the pork in a single layer helps everything cook evenly.
Serving Ideas
- Mashed potatoes: Perfect for soaking up every bit of that sauce.
- Steamed rice: Simple and comforting with the sweet savory glaze.
- Buttered egg noodles: A kid favorite that pairs beautifully with the pork.
- Roasted vegetables: Balance the richness with carrots or green beans.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Freezer friendly: Freeze cooked pork and sauce for up to two months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with extra sauce.
- Make ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Private Notes
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes that quietly earns its place in the regular dinner rotation. It doesn’t ask much of you, but it gives back in a big way. Tender pork, rich sauce, and that feeling of having dinner handled without stress.
If you’re anything like me, recipes like this become little anchors in the week. The ones you come back to when life feels busy and you just want something warm and familiar on the table. I hope these Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pork Chops find a spot in your home the same way they have in mine.
Make it once, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if someone asks for it again next week.
