These sweet-and-savory crockpot Hawaiian pork chops is an easy dump-and-go recipe where the crockpot does all the work! With fork-tender pork chops, sweet onions, and pineapple rings all smothered in a flavorful pineapple BBQ sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why I Love These Pineapple Pork Chops
As a busy mom and now grandma of 4, I appreciate recipes that are simple to make, easy on my wallet, and kid approved. Thankfully these crockpot Hawaiian pork chops check all three boxes! It’s a breeze to prepare, and the crockpot does all the work, making it a perfect dish for our busy family. Here’s why I think you are going to love it too:
- Sweet-and-savory: There’s a lovely flavor balance between the pineapple, juicy pork chops, tangy bbq sauce and spicy red pepper flakes.
- Extra tender: The pork chops become so tender that you don’t even need a knife!
- Dump-and-go: Add everything to your crockpot, whisk the sauce, and pour it all on top. Perfect juicy, fail-proof pork chops couldn’t get any easier.
- Perfect for gatherings: Double the recipe as needed if you’re expecting friends and family over, this recipe is always a crowd pleaser!
Looking for more easy pork chop recipes? Try this crockpot pork tenderloin with cherries, southern style smothered pork chops, or our best juicy baked pork chops!
Key Ingredients
Below you will find helpful notes for key ingredients used to make this crockpot Hawaiian pork chops recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact amounts!
- Pork Chops: I prefer to use thick-cut, boneless pork chops and I trim away any excess fat. You could also use this recipe for a pork tenderloin!
- Onion: I prefer to use a sweet onion or yellow onion, but a white onion or even shallots can be used instead.
- Pineapple: I used canned pineapple rounds, but chunks work for this as well. You can use fresh pineapple instead, but if you do, remember to grab a can of pineapple juice to add to your sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: I used sweet baby rays bbq sauce, but you can use your favorite. You want one that is more savory versus sweet since we are adding pineapple juice to it.
- Rice Vinegar: White vinegar and apple cider are good swaps.
How To Make Crockpot Hawaiian Pork Chops
Just fill the crockpot and let these Hawaiian pork chops with sweet onions practically cook themselves. Below is a quick recipe overview, but please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full instructions.
- Fill the crockpot: Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides. Place them in the crockpot along with half of the onions. Add the red pepper flakes.
- Prep the sauce: Mix the rice vinegar and cornstarch until smooth. Stir in the leftover liquid from the canned pineapple, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Pour the mixture into the crockpot.
- Add veggies: Sprinkle the bell peppers, onions, and pineapple slices over the pork chops.
- Cook: Add the lid and cook the pork chops until fork-tender. Serve and enjoy!
Cook’s Tips for Success
- Don’t thicken it: If you don’t like using cornstarch to thicken sauces, skip it. The sauce for the pork chops will be much runnier but just as delicious.
- More veggies: Add chopped mushrooms, halved baby potatoes, chopped carrots, or chunks of sweet corn into the crockpot with the rest of the ingredients for a heartier bite.
- Make it spicier: Thinly slice a small Thai red chili and sprinkle it over the pork chops before cooking. You can also stir in hot sauce, like Sriracha, into the sauce until you reach your desired spice level.
- More flavor: For extra fragrance and flavor, add a whole peeled garlic bulb, a 1/2-inch piece of freshly minced ginger, or 2-3 stalks of sliced lemongrass to the crockpot.
- Bell peppers: You can use any color bell pepper you like, but I prefer to use the sweeter bell peppers. Green bell peppers are much stronger and more pungent in flavor, while red/yellow/orange bell peppers are sweeter and milder.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Hawaiian Pork Chops
- Starchy Side: I love to serve these saucy pork chops with cilantro lime rice, coconut rice or cauliflower rice. They are also tasty alongside my favorite mashed potatoes!
- Vegetables: While you have bell peppers already, a side of something green is always a good idea. I recommend these garlicky roasted green beans or parmesan roasted broccoli.
Crockpot Hawaiian Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds pork chops, thick cut
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 small sweet onion, sliced and divided
- 1 (20 oz) can sliced pineapple with juice
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, or white vinegar
- 1 large bell pepper, seeds removed and sliced
Instructions
- Spray a 7-quart crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place the chops in the crockpot and add half of the sliced onions and crushed red pepper flakes to the pork chops.
- Drain the liquid from the can of pineapples into a small bowl. Add the rice vinegar and cornstarch and stir until combined. Stir in the BBQ sauce and soy sauce and then pour over the pork chops.
- Add the bell pepper, sliced pineapple, and the remaining onions over the top of the pork chops.
- Cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F. For the most tender results, I recommend cooking your pork chops over low heat.
So juicy and delicious!! Such an easy weeknight meal, I can throw everything in the crockpot and work. The pineapple with the BBQ sauce is perfection!!