Savory Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes Delight

Tender slow-cooked pork chops paired with soft sweet potatoes and onions in a lightly sweet and savory sauce. Orange juice, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar give this simple slow cooker dinner a comforting flavor while chicken broth keeps the pork juicy and tender.

Ingredients

• 4–6 boneless pork chops
• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 16 oz chicken broth
• ⅓ cup orange juice
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Method

1. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. Dice the onion and place both in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the sweet potatoes and onions with cinnamon, nutmeg, a little salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to distribute the seasonings.
3. Season the pork chops lightly with salt and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer over the sweet potatoes.
4. In a small bowl or measuring jug, combine the chicken broth, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar. Pour the mixture evenly around the pork and vegetables.
5. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the pork chops. As the dish cooks, it will combine with the orange juice and savory cooking liquid to create a lightly sweet sauce.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sweet potatoes are completely cooked through.
7. Check the seasoning near the end of cooking and add additional salt or pepper if necessary.
8. Serve the pork chops warm with a generous portion of sweet potatoes and onions. Spoon some of the cooking juices over each serving.

Cooking Tips

Cut the sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Thicker pork chops work especially well in the slow cooker because they are less likely to dry out during the long cooking time.

For a richer caramelized flavor, the pork chops can be quickly browned in a hot skillet before being placed in the slow cooker. This step is optional and the recipe will still work well without it.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is already a filling meal, but it pairs nicely with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, a simple green salad, or warm dinner rolls. Spoon a little of the sweet and savory cooking liquid over the pork just before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a small amount of the remaining cooking liquid to help keep the pork moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes. Bone-in pork chops can be used and are especially suitable for slow cooking. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on their thickness.

Can I cook this recipe on HIGH?

Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours, checking that the pork is safely cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender before serving.

Can I leave out the brown sugar?

Yes. The orange juice and sweet potatoes already provide natural sweetness, so the brown sugar can be reduced or omitted if preferred.