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    Home > Main Dishes Pork > Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

    Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

    Published: Dec 2, 2020 · Modified: Sep 8, 2022 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Slow cooker thick cut pork chops with apples and figs

    Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples is an easy dish to make when cooking for two. Thick cut bone-in pork chops are seared, then braised in the slow cooker with sliced onions, apples and figs. Seasoned with anise seed, this is a savory delight. Serve this tasty dish with mashed potatoes or polenta.

    About This Recipe and Why It Works

    When the leaves start turning from green to brilliant Fall colors, I start turning to my slow-cooker for easy flavor-packed savory meals.

    And this recipe couldn’t be more timely for convenience and for the season.

    Plus these pork chops have everything you love about a comforting Fall dish.

    Tender bone-in thick cut pork chops are seared golden and seasoned with anise seed. The pork chops, tart granny smith apples, savory onions, and figs are then braised in a mixture of orange juice and red wine vinegar.

    End result, you’ve got an explosion of complex flavors that will wow the palate. And a thick cut pork chop that is fall off the bone tender.

    So working smarter not harder, grab that crock pot and let’s get started.

    Ingredients For Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples

    Ingredients to make slow cooker pork chops with apples
    • Thick Cut Pork Chops, Bone in: Bones make for an extra boost of flavor. Ask your butcher for thick center cut bone-in pork chops. How thick are center cut pork chops? They should be about 1 – 1 1/2 inches thick.
    • Granny Smith Apples: Granny Smith’s are famous for their green apple flavor. With their tart flavor and acidic tang, they compliment the ingredients in this recipe. Plus they are firm and crisp and will hold up better for this long slow braise.
    • Orange Juice: Orange juice not only brings an acidic factor to this recipe, but also sweet and bright flavor.
    • Sweet Onions: Use sweet onions or yellow onions.
    • Butter and Olive Oil: Butter and olive oil are great partners for searing meat. The butter brings that buttery flavor and the olive oil keeps the butter from burning.
    • Anise Seeds: Anise seeds are closely related to fennel seeds and have somewhat of a similar flavor. Anise seeds have a more licorice like flavor.
    • Figs: I would recommend using only fresh figs. I couldn’t find them for this photo, so used dried figs. Even though they added a lot of flavor to the dish, they do carry a bitter note.

    Ingredient Swaps

    • Pork Chops: You can substitute thick cut boneless butterfly pork chops for the bone-in chops called for in this recipe. If you must. 🙂
    • Apples: Braeburn Apples bring the same great qualities to this recipe as do Granny Smith. They’re just slightly sweeter. Most other red apple varieties are softer and sweeter. You can use them, but they’ll be more mushy once the recipe is cooked.
    • Citrus Juice: Any sweet citrus juice can be substituted for the orange juice. Apple juice is a good choice and cranberry juice would be a nice substitute.
    • Anise Seeds: Fennel seeds are a great substitute for anise seed.
    • Figs: If you can’t find fresh figs, I would recommend deleting them from the recipe. If you use dried Mission figs, the flavor will be bitter. But, of course you can use them.
    • Dutch Oven: You can make this recipe in a Dutch Oven rather than a slow cooker. Just follow the recipe instructions, and cook in a 325 degree oven for 2 hours, or until pork chops are tender.

    How To Make This Recipe, It’s Easy

    The most important step in a successful braising recipe is searing and browning the protein.

    pan-seared-thick-cut-pork-chops
    Step 1: How To Sear Pork Chops

    Step 1: For this recipe, I used both butter and olive oil. Get your pan nice and hot, then add the oils. Once the butter has melted and the bubbles start to subside, add the thick cut pork chops and sear each side for about 4 minutes per side. You want the chops to be crispy browned. Once you’ve turned the chop, sprinkle the cooked side with Anise Seed. Using the back of a fork, press the seeds into the meat while the uncooked side continues to brown.

    green apples in crockpot for braised pork chops
    Step 2 – Add Apples
    Adding thick cut bone in pork chops to crockpot over apples
    Step 3 – Top with Pork Chops
    • Step 2: No need to peel those apples, just cut them into wedges and place them into the bottom of your crock pot.
    • Step 3: Place the browned pork chops on top of the apples.
    Adding sliced onions over pork chops and apples in the crockpot
    Step 4 – Add Onions
    adding figs over onions apples and pork chops for braised pork chops
    Step 5 – Add Figs
    • Step 4: Sprinkle those sliced onions on top of the pork chops.
    • Step 5: Place the Mission figs over the onion slices.
    • Step 6: After a good shake of salt, some fresh ground pepper, orange juice and red wine vinegar for the braising liquid, you’re ready to plug in that slow cooker and enjoy the aromas that fill your home.

    Crockpot Pork Chops and Apples, FAQ’s

    Can I Use Any Type Of Apples?

    Yes, you can use any type of apples. Again, no need to peel them unless you want. Keep in mind, different apples bring different levels of sweetness. Which can change the flavor profile. And figs are very sweet, so keep that in mind when choosing apples.

    Do I Have To Sear The Pork Chops Before Slow Cooking?

    You don’t have to. But I do recommend that you do so. Searing brings a crispy texture and an extra layer of flavor. But you can add the pork chops without that pre-sear step.

    What If I Can’t Find Figs?

    Figs are a very seasonal fruit. If you can’t find them, simply omit them from this recipe.

    Can I Freeze This Recipe?

    The pork chops will freeze just fine. Simply store them in an air tight container and freeze for up to 3 months. I’m not a fan of freezing cooked apples. The texture becomes compromised.

    Serving Suggestions

    Once the pork chops are tender, fish them out of the slow cooker to a platter. Using a large serving spoon, drench the pork chops with the liquid from the slow cooker. Then spoon the onions, apples and figs over the pork chops.

    Polenta or mashed potatoes make a wonderful side dish for crock pot pork chops and apples, as well as roasted sliced Delicata squash. The photo shows polenta and delicata squash.

    Other side dishes to consider would be Garlic Butter Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes, or even A Perfect Tossed Salad . Or check out Green Beans with Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce.

    Recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples

    Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples served with Delicata Squash and Polenta

    If you’re looking for an easy recipe for thick cut pork chops, I hope you give this crock pot pork chops and apples a try. And if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating, or scroll down and leave a comment about your experience with the recipe.

    And if you have a recipe for thick cut pork chops, let me know, I’d love to give it a try. I’m always looking for ideas.

    Related Articles

    • Cocoa Chile Grilled Butterfly Pork Chops
    • Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Bourbon Peach Sauce
    • White Wine Braised Pressure Pork Roast

    And if you’re looking for more pork recipes, don’t miss my Pork Category. You’ll find lots of great recipe ideas, including my recipe for Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs.

    Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

    Pork and apples are a classic pairing, and figs and sweet anise seed, orange juice and red wine vinegar, all add an exciting depth of flavor. Give this Crock-pot Pork Chops with Apples and Figs recipe a try next time you're using your slow cooker.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course Pork
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 hours
    Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 343kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 2 pork chops bone in, thick cut, about 1 1/2 pounds
    • 1 teaspoon aniseed
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 Granny Smith apples sliced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 yellow onion thick sliced
    • 12 Mission figs cut them in half
    • 1 large clove garlic minced
    • 1/2 cup orange juice
    • 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Heat a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add butter and oil. Once butter is bubbly and melted, add the pork chops. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook on one side for 4 minutes. Don't turn, just let the one side of the chop sear nice and brown.
    • Turn the pork chops over, and sprinkle the browned side with salt and pepper and the anise seeds. With the back of a fork, press the anise seeds into the browned side of the pork chops, slightly crushing the anise seed.
    • Cook the pork chop for four minutes. Both sides should be nice and seared.
    • Spray your Crock Pot with non-stick spray and sprinkle in the apples.
    • Place browned pork chops on top of the apples.
    • Next layer in the slices of onions and the figs. Sprinkle the garlic over the mixture and add orange juice and red wine vinegar.
    • Cook on low 6 – 7 hours.

    Notes

    Once the pork chops are tender, fish them out of the slow cooker to a platter. Using a large serving spoon, drench the pork chops with the liquid from the slow cooker. Then spoon the onions, apples and figs over the pork chops.
    Polenta or mashed potatoes make a wonderful side dish, as well as roasted sliced Delicata squash.
    If you can’t find fresh Mission figs, just omit them from the recipe. 
    You can substitute thick cut boneless butterfly pork chops for the bone-in chops called for in this recipe. If you must. 🙂

    Nutrition

    Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 623mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 367IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    Crock Pot Pork Chops with Apples and Onions…It’s What’s for Dinner

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chris says

      November 06, 2014 at 11:20 am

      I love that you did the grill marks even for a slow cooker recipe 🙂 I would too. Looks like a great meal. I like the fennel but haven’t done much with anise. Funny, Trevor doesn’t associate it like that, if I told him it tasted like licorice he would expect it to taste like red twizzlers, lol.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        November 06, 2014 at 4:49 pm

        great….now I’m craving twizzlers. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Larry says

      October 18, 2014 at 5:38 am

      Pork and fruit seem to go so well together and this dish looks delicious. Bev really likes chops that are baked til totally tender like this.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        October 21, 2014 at 6:58 am

        You know me and pork chops. But now that I’ve started brining, the crockpot isn’t always my choice for getting them tender.

        Reply
    3. Vickie says

      October 16, 2014 at 4:27 pm

      This is beautiful! I always love learning new ways to use herbs & spices. Wonderful to see a Sunday Supper post.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        October 21, 2014 at 6:56 am

        Thanks Vickie.

        Reply
    4. Carol at Wild Goose Tea says

      October 15, 2014 at 3:45 pm

      I have just started loving figs in the last 5 or 6 yrs. Unfortunately I associated figs with Fig Newtons. Plus figs are not prominent in my part of the world. However this is one skoocum recipe. So I need to track down some figs.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        October 16, 2014 at 7:06 am

        Fabulous point Carol. I think I grew up hating figs simply because of those awful Fig Newton cookies. As always thanks for stopping in and the comment.

        Reply
    5. John@Kitchen Riffs says

      October 15, 2014 at 12:33 pm

      Pork combines so well with fruit, doesn’t it? Apple are a classic pairing, but figs are inspired! How good this must taste! And making it in the crock pot is so convenient. Very nice — thanks.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        October 16, 2014 at 7:06 am

        Thanks John!

        Reply
    6. Bernadette @Rants From My Crazy Kitchen says

      October 14, 2014 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      My husband would love this dish!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        October 15, 2014 at 5:48 am

        Let me know if you give it a try and if he loves it! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Linda@There and Back Again says

      October 14, 2014 at 11:23 am

      I love making pork chops in the slow cooker. The ingredients in this recipe are interesting and sound delicious. I’ll have to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        October 15, 2014 at 5:48 am

        Thanks so much Linda. And nice to hear from you.

        Reply
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    I'm Lea Ann, A Culinary School Grad bringing you Wild West Colorado inspired recipes. You'll find lots of Southwestern, and Mexican food recipes, and some favorites from Culinary School along with pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous home cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of inspiration and reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

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