Slow-Cooked Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Delight in the succulent flavors of these Slow-Cooked Citrus Glazed Pork Chops, where tender, juicy pork chops meet a zesty, orange-infused sauce. This one-pot meal is perfect for a busy day, allowing you to set it and forget it while it develops rich flavors in the crockpot. The sweetness of brown sugar and the bright acidity of orange juice combine beautifully, making this dish both comforting and refreshing. Serve it alongside rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that your family will love.
6
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
6 (1 inch thick)
Oil
1 teaspoon (for browning)
Onions
2 (medium, sliced thin)
Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
6 ounces (thawed)
Water
2/3 cup (room temperature)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (lightly packed)
Ground Ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons (dry)
Poultry Seasoning
1 teaspoon (dry)
Marjoram
1 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
1. In a 5-quart crockpot, heat the oil on HIGH until hot.
2
2. Season the pork chops with a pinch of salt, then add them to the crockpot, turning to coat them evenly with the oil.
3
3. Layer the sliced onions over the pork chops, creating a bed of flavor.
4
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the thawed orange juice concentrate, water, lemon juice, brown sugar, ground ginger, poultry seasoning, and marjoram until well combined.
5
5. Pour the citrus mixture over the pork chops and onions, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
6
6. Cover the crockpot and reduce the heat to LOW, cooking for 6 to 7 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.
7
7. Serve hot, spooning some of the delicious sauce over the chops.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
30g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of these pork chops?
These pork chops feature a savory and sweet flavor profile with a zesty citrus kick from orange and lemon juices, balanced by warm notes of ginger and brown sugar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What size crockpot is recommended for this recipe?
A 5-quart crockpot is recommended for best results.
How long do the pork chops need to cook?
The pork chops should be cooked on LOW for 6 to 7 hours until tender.
Can I cook these pork chops on HIGH?
The recipe recommends cooking on LOW to ensure the meat stays tender, though the initial browning step is done on HIGH.
What type of pork chops should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 pork chops that are approximately 1 inch thick.
Do I need to brown the pork chops before slow cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify heating oil in the crockpot on HIGH and turning the chops to coat them before layering other ingredients.
What is in the citrus glaze?
The glaze consists of frozen orange juice concentrate, water, lemon juice, brown sugar, ground ginger, poultry seasoning, and marjoram.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?
Concentrate provides a more intense flavor and thicker consistency, but fresh juice can be used if reduced or if you prefer a lighter sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 40 grams of protein in each serving.
Is there a lot of fat in this dish?
Each serving contains about 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I serve with Citrus Glazed Pork Chops?
They pair beautifully with white or brown rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
How should the onions be prepared?
The recipe calls for two medium onions to be sliced thin and layered over the pork.
Can I substitute the marjoram?
Yes, you can substitute marjoram with dried oregano or thyme if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the pork chops hold up well when stored and can be easily reheated for future meals.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried ginger?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 teaspoons of dry ground ginger.
Can I use light or dark brown sugar?
Either light or dark brown sugar will work; light brown sugar provides a milder sweetness.
What kind of oil should I use for browning?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, is ideal for the initial browning step.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your poultry seasoning and orange juice concentrate.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, bone-in chops can be used and often provide extra flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of room temperature water.
Is the orange juice concentrate used frozen or thawed?
The concentrate should be thawed before whisking it into the sauce mixture.
Can I add other vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes, root vegetables like carrots or parsnips would complement the citrus flavors well.
What does poultry seasoning add to the dish?
Poultry seasoning adds a blend of savory herbs like sage and rosemary that pairs perfectly with pork.
How do I know when the pork is finished?
The pork is done when it is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I substitute lime juice for lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice to provide the necessary acidity.
Should I spoon the sauce over the meat when serving?
Yes, spooning the excess glaze over the chops before serving enhances the flavor and moisture.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the slow-cooked nature and rich sauce make it a very comforting family dinner.