A bright, citrusy, and deeply aromatic dish! The pork chops slow-cook to melt-in-your-mouth perfection beneath fresh orange slices, infusing them with zesty ginger, sweet honey, and warm garlic flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (Low) or 2.5 hours (High)
- Servings: 4–6 people
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 to 6: Thick-cut bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 2 large: Oranges, washed thoroughly and sliced into round wheels
- 1 tbsp: Fresh ginger, finely grated or minced
- 3 cloves: Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup: Honey (or dark brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup: Low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup: Freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2-3 sprigs: Fresh thyme and rosemary
- To taste: Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1.5 tbsp: Cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water (optional, to thicken glaze)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the Meat: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Layer the Bases: Place half of the fresh orange slices in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned pork chops directly on top of the orange bed.
- Whisk the Citrus Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until fully combined.
- Pour and Garnish: Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the pork chops. Top the meat with the remaining orange slices, and nestle the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs among them.
- Slow Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (or HIGH for 2.5 hours) until the pork chops are tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F).
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): Remove the pork chops and oranges, placing them on a serving platter. Whisk the cornstarch slurry directly into the hot, remaining cooking liquid. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until it reduces into a sticky, glossy glaze.
- Serve: Drizzle the thickened orange-ginger glaze heavily over the tender pork chops and cooked orange wheels. Serve hot over a bed of white rice or alongside roasted green beans!