Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pork Chops
These Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pork Chops are tender enough to cut with a fork and coated in a sweet savory glaze that tastes like comfort food at its finest. With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, this is the kind of dinner that saves busy nights and keeps everyone happy.
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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
Servings: 6 servings
