Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops | Juicy, Hands-Off Recipe

Nothing says comfort like the rich, homey flavor of Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops. This easy slow cooker recipe combines thick boneless pork chops with a homemade barbecue sauce that simmers slowly until the meat is tender and infused with bold, smoky-sweet flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner when you want big taste with minimal effort.

If you have an extra slow cooker, consider pairing this dish with slow cooker corn on the cob or slow cooker baked potatoes for a complete meal.

close-up overhead of bbq pork chops in the slow cooker.

This crockpot pork chops recipe uses a simple, pantry-friendly homemade sauce instead of bottled barbecue. The combination of brown sugar, tomato, spices and a splash of vinegar creates a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that clings to the chops as they cook low and slow. Simply mix the sauce, coat the pork chops, and let the slow cooker do the rest—no babysitting required.

Ingredients for Barbecue Pork Chops

This recipe is made from scratch using common ingredients. The full quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

ingredients for slow cooker bbq pork chops on a table.
  • Boneless pork chops – Thick-cut chops that become tender and absorb the BBQ sauce.
  • Brown sugar, tomato paste, and tomato sauce – These form a sweet, rich, tangy base for the barbecue sauce.
  • Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder – A blend of seasonings that add depth, smokiness, and a touch of heat.
  • Chunky salsa and apple cider vinegar – Give the sauce texture and bright acidity.

How to Make BBQ Pork Chops in the Crockpot

Follow these four straightforward steps to prepare the dish:

four images showing how to make bbq pork chops in the slow cooker.

Step One – Add brown sugar, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, chunky salsa, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder to the slow cooker.

Step Two – Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined.

Step Three – Arrange the pork chops in the crockpot and spoon the sauce over them so they are thoroughly coated. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours.

Step Four – When the chops are tender and fully cooked, garnish with sliced green onions and serve.

close-up of slow cooker bbq pork chops.

My Serving Suggestions

Favorites for serving these BBQ pork chops:

Place a pork chop over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes so the sauce soaks into the potatoes for a comforting bite.

Pair the pork chops with a crisp, refreshing side salad to balance the richness of the meat.

For a healthy vegetable side, serve with steamed green beans or roasted carrots for color and nutrients.

fork cutting into serving of slow cooker bbq pork chops.
close-up of slow cooker bbq pork chops.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
By: Sarah Olson
Easily transform pork chops with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce in your slow cooker for a flavorful, hands-off meal.
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Equipment

  • Slow cooker (4–6 quart or larger)

Ingredients  

  • 2 lbs. thick-cut boneless pork chops, about 3
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. dry mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • ½ cup chunky salsa
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • ½ Tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp. sliced green onion

Instructions 

  • In a 4–6 quart crockpot, combine brown sugar, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, chunky salsa, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder. Stir until smooth.
  • Place the pork chops in the crockpot and spoon the sauce over them so each chop is well coated.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours, until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Sarah’s Notes

Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes — you can substitute 2–3 cups of your favorite bottled BBQ sauce in place of the homemade sauce if you prefer. The homemade version is quick and gives great depth of flavor.

Can I make this ahead and freeze?
Yes. Mix the sauce and add it with the uncooked pork chops to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before placing in the slow cooker and cooking as directed.

Can I use frozen chops?
It’s best to thaw pork chops before cooking. You may use bone-in or thinner-cut chops, but adjust cooking time as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g

Nutrition info is auto-generated and intended as an estimate. If you follow a special diet, use your own calculations.

Made this recipe? Leave a comment below!

More Slow Cooker Pork Chop Recipes

BBQ Pork Chops and Potatoes make a hearty one-pot meal with tender meat and comforting sides.

Try Pork Chops and Onions or Pork Cacciatore for simple, savory variations packed with flavor.

Ranch Pork Chops add zesty seasoning, while Apple Butter Pork Chops and Pork Chops with Apples offer sweet-and-savory twists.