Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Bacon Pork Chops.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Bacon Pork Chops are an easy comfort-food dinner with a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. Tender pork chops are coated with brown sugar and wrapped with smoky bacon, then slowly cooked until the pork is juicy and the bacon is flavorful.
With only four main ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying enough for a cozy family dinner. Serve the pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice for an easy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops, about 1½–2 pounds total
- 8 slices bacon
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
This recipe uses exactly 4 main ingredients. Black pepper or garlic powder may be added optionally but are not counted.
How to Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Bacon Pork Chops
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over both sides of the pork chops, gently pressing it onto the surface.
2. Wrap With Bacon
Wrap each pork chop with two slices of bacon, tucking the ends underneath when possible.
Arrange the wrapped pork chops in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
3. Add the Broth
Pour the chicken broth carefully around the pork chops rather than directly over the bacon.
The broth creates moisture during cooking while the brown sugar and bacon provide the main flavor.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 3–4 hours, depending on the thickness of the pork chops.
Pork chops are leaner than pork shoulder, so avoid cooking them for an unnecessarily long period.
The pork should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, followed by a 3-minute rest.
5. Crisp the Bacon if Desired
Slow cookers keep bacon relatively soft rather than crisp. If you want a more caramelized, crisp finish, carefully transfer the cooked pork chops to a foil-lined baking sheet.
Place them under a hot broiler for 1–3 minutes, watching closely until the bacon reaches your preferred level of crispness.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the pork chops rest for about 3 minutes before serving.
Spoon some of the sweet cooking juices over the pork for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Bacon Pork Chops
- Use thick-cut pork chops so they stay juicy during slow cooking.
- Don’t overcook the pork. Start checking the temperature toward the earlier end of the cooking time.
- Keep the bacon on top as much as possible so the brown sugar glaze can flavor the pork.
- Use low-sodium broth because bacon can already provide plenty of salt.
- Broil briefly for crisp bacon, but watch carefully because the brown sugar can caramelize quickly.
Easy Variations
If you don’t need to keep the recipe strictly four ingredients, add garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, or a little Dijon mustard to the brown sugar mixture.
For a slightly different sweet flavor, replace part of the brown sugar with maple syrup, although this will change the four-ingredient formula.
You can also use thick-cut bone-in pork chops, but cooking time may vary depending on their size.
What to Serve With Brown Sugar Bacon Pork Chops
These sweet and savory pork chops are excellent with mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
For vegetables, try green beans, roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or steamed broccoli.
A crisp green salad also provides a nice contrast to the rich bacon and brown sugar flavors.
Storage
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a covered skillet or oven until heated through. Avoid prolonged reheating because pork chops can become dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes. Bone-in chops can be used, but they may require additional cooking time. Always check the internal temperature rather than relying only on the clock.
Will the bacon become crispy in the slow cooker?
Usually not. The moist environment of a slow cooker keeps bacon relatively soft. A quick broil at the end is the best way to crisp it.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. You can wrap the pork chops with bacon and coat them with brown sugar several hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to place them in the slow cooker.
Why are my pork chops dry?
Pork chops are relatively lean and can dry out when overcooked. Use thick-cut chops and begin checking their temperature early.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Bacon Pork Chops are an easy dinner with a delicious sweet-and-savory combination. Brown sugar creates a caramelized flavor, while bacon adds richness to tender pork chops as they slowly cook.
With only four main ingredients and very little hands-on work, this recipe is a simple way to put a comforting family dinner on the table.

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