Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4–6 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)

• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the pork chops:
   Lightly season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.

2. Make the honey garlic sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, vinegar, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

3. Add to slow cooker:
   Place the pork chops in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, making sure each chop is well coated.

4. Cook low and slow:

   • Low: 6–7 hours

   • High: 3–4 hours
     Cook until the pork chops are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

5. Thicken the sauce (optional):
   Remove the pork chops and pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Pour the thickened sauce back over the pork chops.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and spoon the sauce over the top before serving.