4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds total): Choose chops of similar thickness so they cook more evenly.
1/3 cup pure maple syrup: Adds sweetness and a lovely maple flavor.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce its tangy, savory character.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a delicious savory note.
A note about maple syrup
For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup. Pancake syrup can be sweeter and may contain additional flavorings that change the taste of the sauce.
Choosing the pork chops
Boneless pork chops are convenient and easy to serve. Bone-in chops can also work and often have a little more flavor.
Try to choose chops that are not extremely thin. Thicker chops are generally easier to keep tender during slow cooking.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
You don't need much equipment for this recipe.
Slow cooker (approximately 4–6 quarts)
Small mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Garlic press or knife
Tongs
Instant-read meat thermometer
A meat thermometer is particularly useful for pork chops because slow cookers and chop thicknesses can vary.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
The original recipe keeps things simple, but you can make a few changes if you want to adjust the flavor.
Use honey instead of maple syrup
If you don't have maple syrup, honey can work as a substitute. The flavor will be different, with a more floral sweetness, but it pairs nicely with Dijon mustard.
Try whole-grain mustard
Whole-grain mustard gives the sauce a slightly different texture and a mild mustard flavor. You can replace the Dijon with the same amount.
Add a little apple cider vinegar
For extra tang, add 1–2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. This is an optional addition rather than part of the four-ingredient version.
Add herbs
A little fresh or dried thyme or rosemary can complement the pork beautifully. Add a small amount so the herbs don't overpower the maple Dijon sauce.
Use boneless pork loin chops
Boneless pork loin chops are a convenient option. Because they can be lean, keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Make the sauce slightly spicy
A pinch of red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper adds gentle heat that balances the maple sweetness.
How to Make Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Maple Dijon Pork Chops
This recipe is wonderfully simple. Most of the work happens before you turn on the slow cooker!
Step 1: Prepare the pork chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
If there is a large amount of excess fat around the edges, trim it if desired. Arrange the chops in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker when possible.
If you need to overlap them slightly, that's fine, but avoid packing them too tightly.
Step 2: Mix the maple Dijon sauce
In a small bowl, combine:
Maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Minced garlic
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
The sauce should look glossy, with the maple syrup and mustard fully combined.
Step 3: Coat the pork chops
Pour the maple Dijon mixture over the pork chops.
Use a spoon to spread the sauce across the tops so the chops are coated as evenly as possible.
Don't worry if some sauce settles around the bottom. It will continue to flavor the pork as everything cooks.
Step 4: Slow cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours or on HIGH for approximately 2–3 hours, checking the pork earlier if your slow cooker runs hot or the chops are thin.
Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops and your appliance.
The pork should be tender, but it should not be cooked for so long that it becomes dry or falls apart unintentionally.
Step 5: Check the temperature
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of each chop, avoiding the bone if you're using bone-in pork.
Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
If they haven't reached that temperature, continue cooking and check again.
Step 6: Serve with plenty of sauce
Carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and let them rest for 3 minutes.
Spoon the warm maple Dijon sauce over each serving.
If you'd like a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan and simmer it gently until reduced to your preferred consistency. You can also thicken it with a small cornstarch slurry, then cook until the sauce thickens and the starch is fully cooked.
Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
What to Serve with Maple Dijon Pork Chops
These pork chops pair beautifully with sides that can soak up the sweet and tangy sauce.
Here are some delicious ideas:
Creamy mashed potatoes: Probably my favorite choice! The sauce drizzled over mashed potatoes is wonderful.
Buttered egg noodles: Simple, comforting, and perfect for catching every bit of sauce.
Fluffy white rice: A neutral side that lets the maple Dijon flavor shine.
Roasted green beans: Add a fresh, slightly crisp vegetable to the plate.
Steamed broccoli: An easy side that balances the richness of the pork.
Roasted carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the maple syrup.
Apple salad: A crisp apple and greens salad adds a refreshing contrast.
Dinner rolls: Perfect for wiping up the extra sauce.
For a cozy Sunday dinner, serve the pork chops with mashed potatoes, green beans, and warm rolls. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone want to linger at the table.
Tips for Making the Best Maple Dijon Pork Chops
A few simple tips will help you get tender pork chops and a delicious sauce.
Choose chops of similar thickness
Pork chops that are about the same thickness are more likely to finish cooking at the same time.
Don't overcook lean pork chops
Pork loin chops are relatively lean. Cooking them too long can make them dry and tough, even in a slow cooker.
Start checking early, especially if your chops are thin.
Use pure maple syrup
Pure maple syrup gives the sauce a more natural, rounded flavor. It is worth choosing if you can.
Don't skip the resting time
Let the pork rest for 3 minutes after it reaches 145°F. This is part of the recommended safe cooking guidance for whole cuts of pork.
Taste the sauce before serving
Mustard brands can vary in sharpness. Taste the cooking sauce and adjust it if needed. A little extra maple syrup can soften the tang, while a small spoonful of Dijon can make the flavor more pronounced.
Avoid lifting the lid too often
Every time you remove the slow cooker lid, heat escapes and cooking time can increase. Keep it covered while the pork cooks.
Can You Make Maple Dijon Pork Chops Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance to make dinner even easier.
Whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Store the mixture in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
When you're ready to cook, place the pork chops in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and follow the cooking instructions.
For food safety, keep raw pork refrigerated until you're ready to cook it. Avoid leaving raw pork sitting at room temperature while preparing other ingredients.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool slightly and refrigerate them promptly in an airtight container.
Refrigerator: Store for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for about 2–3 months for best quality.
For the best texture, store the pork chops with some of the sauce. This helps keep them moist when reheating.
How to Reheat Maple Dijon Pork Chops
For the best results, reheat the pork gently.
Microwave: Place a pork chop in a microwave-safe dish with a spoonful of sauce. Cover loosely and heat in short intervals until steaming hot throughout.
Oven: Place the chops in an oven-safe dish, add a little sauce or broth, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F until heated through.
Avoid overheating, which can make pork chops dry.
Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Pork Chops?
Yes. Let the cooked pork chops cool, then place them in a freezer-safe container with some sauce.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but gently stirring it while reheating can help bring it back together.
Recipe Information
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
Resting time: 3 minutes
Total time: Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes on LOW
Servings: 4
Course: Main course, dinner
Cuisine: American
Cooking method: Slow cooker
Main ingredients: Pork chops, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops work well in this recipe. Choose chops of similar thickness and check their temperature in the thickest part without touching the bone.
Can I use thin pork chops?
You can, but thin chops cook much faster and are easier to overcook. Begin checking their temperature early rather than relying on the full cooking time.
Can I use frozen pork chops?
For food safety, thaw pork chops completely in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker. Starting with frozen meat can keep the food in an unsafe temperature range for too long.
Will the sauce be thick?
The sauce will be relatively thin after slow cooking because the pork releases moisture. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer it in a saucepan or use a cornstarch slurry.
Can I brown the pork chops first?
Yes! Browning the chops in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes per side can add extra flavor. This step is optional and adds a little preparation time.
Is this recipe very sweet?
The maple syrup adds sweetness, but Dijon mustard balances it with a tangy, savory flavor. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with a little less maple syrup and adjust to taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker has enough room. Avoid filling it beyond the manufacturer's recommended capacity, and make sure the pork cooks evenly. The cooking time may vary depending on the amount and thickness of the meat.
What if I don't have Dijon mustard?
Whole-grain mustard is a good alternative. Regular yellow mustard can also be used, although it will give the sauce a different flavor.
How do I know when pork chops are done?
Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer. Whole cuts of pork should reach 145°F (63°C) and rest for 3 minutes before serving.
More Easy Slow Cooker Dinners You'll Love
If you enjoy simple dinners that practically cook themselves, here are a few more comforting recipes to try:
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: Tender chicken in a sweet and savory garlic sauce.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast: A classic family dinner with tender beef and vegetables.
Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork: Perfect for sandwiches, baked potatoes, or an easy weekend meal.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken: A comforting dish with rich garlic flavor.
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin: A simple main dish that's delicious with roasted vegetables.
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken: An easy, family-friendly dinner with a creamy sauce.
Leave a Review and Share Your Dinner!
Did you make these Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Maple Dijon Pork Chops?
I'd love to know how they turned out! Leave a star rating and tell me whether you served them with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Did you make any changes to the sauce? Maybe you added a little honey, extra Dijon, or a pinch of red pepper flakes?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you take a photo of your dinner, save it on Pinterest so other home cooks can discover the recipe too!
Approximate Nutrition Information
The following nutrition values are estimates for one pork chop with a portion of sauce, based on four servings. Actual values will vary depending on the size and cut of pork, the maple syrup, and the mustard used.
Estimated per serving:
Calories: 340
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fat: 13g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 500mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 17g
These numbers are estimates and are provided for general informational purposes.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Maple Dijon Pork Chops are proof that a delicious dinner doesn't need a long ingredient list or hours of preparation.
The pork cooks in a simple combination of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic, creating a sweet, tangy sauce that makes every bite feel special.
Serve the chops over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles, and make sure you save plenty of that wonderful sauce for drizzling.
It's an easy recipe for busy weeknights, relaxed Sunday dinners, and those evenings when you want something comforting without making a big production out of cooking.
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