Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Chops

These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Chops are one of my favorite ways to enjoy pork. It's easy to make and is full of balanced flavors. I have added it to my weekly dinner rotation because of how much everyone loves it. Plus, it pairs with various sides to create a different meal each time.

The citrus flavor of the orange and the tangy pineapple tenderizes the peppers and onions and infuses bright flavors into the brown sugar soy sauce. The ginger and red pepper add a hint of spice to keep it all balanced and delicious. 

If you like Hawaiian-inspired dinner recipes, you will love Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork, Crock Pot Pork Chops and Rice, and Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken.

Ingredients

These are all of the ingredients needed to set up your crock pot to make a delicious Hawaiian pork dinner in a delicious sweet and sour sauce. They are all common ingredients that you may find at any local grocery store.

• Pork chops: You may use bone-in or boneless pork chops for this recipe. They will take longer to cook with the bones but they will be more flavorful.
• Veggies: I use chopped yellow onions, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. They add a natural sweetness to the sauce.
• Brown sugar: I like to use brown sugar because of its depth of flavor. It has subtle caramel notes that work well with the chops.
• Orange juice: The citrus flavor from the orange juice tastes great with the soy sauce and pineapple.
• Garlic: I like fresh garlic in this recipe. It adds depth to the sauce and compliments the spices.
• Spices: I add red pepper flakes and ground ginger for spice and zing. Ginger works well with several ingredients.
• Ketchup: Not only does the ketchup help thicken the sauce, but it also adds richness and some tomato-y sweetness.
• Soy sauce: The savory and salty flavor adds umami to the pork chops and balances the other flavors.
• Pineapple: I use canned pineapple and I don't drain the juice. It adds texture as well as a sweet and tangy flavor. 
• Cornstarch: I make a slurry with pineapple juice to help thicken the sauce without watering it down.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Honey Sriracha: Swap the brown sugar for honey and the ketchup for sriracha to add heat and a different flavor profile.
• Pineapple BBQ: Smother the pork chops in your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky tropical twist.
• Cilantro Lime: Try lime juice instead of orange juice and add freshly chopped cilantro for California vibes.

How to Make Hawaiian Pork Chops in the Crock Pot

Here are the instructions on how to make these Hawaiian pineapple pork chops in the slow cooker. It involves very few steps and hands-on cooking, leaving you time to relax and enjoy the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen.

1. Step 1: Layer the pork chops and veggies. Start with laying the chopped onions on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the pork chops on top and cover with the bell peppers.

2. Step 2: Make the sauce. Combine the brown sugar, orange juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, ginger, ketchup, and soy sauce in a small bowl and whisk until they are well-mixed.

Step 3: Add the sauce and cook. Pour the sauce over the top of the pork and veggies. Add the lid and cook for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours on high or 4 ½ to 5 ½ hours on low.

Step 4: Add pineapple and keep cooking. Remove the pork chops from the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Combine some of the pineapple juice from the can with cornstarch. Mix the slurry into the sauce until it's well combined. Place the pork back into the pot and pour the pineapple chunks on top. Cook it for the final 30 minutes.

Storage Directions 

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Hawaiian pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: You may reheat leftovers in the microwave or a skillet on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze any extra pork chops in a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. I do not recommend saving the extra onions and peppers as they become mushy when they thaw.
• Make Ahead: Chop your veggies and make the sauce ahead. Then, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you set up your meal in the slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this recipe over Slow Cooker Rice. It's also delicious alongside these slow cooker Roasted Potatoes and Corn on the Cob.
• End this delicious meal of Hawaiian-style pork chops with a yummy dessert like Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters or Crock Pot Blueberry Cobbler.
• A simple side salad would complement this recipe, too!