4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Chops
Toss pork chops in the crock with pineapple slices and soy sauce, and get a dinner so delicious it balances sweet and salty. This recipe takes that idea and makes it even easier with just four ingredients you probably already have.
Inspired by old fashioned Midwestern potluck dishes, these slow cooker pineapple pork chops come together with minimal fuss. Canned pineapple rings and a tangy sweet sauce made from barbecue sauce and onion soup mix create a meal that feels special but is simple enough for a busy weeknight.

It’s budget friendly, kid approved, and so delicious your friends will be begging for the recipe. Spoon the pork chops and sauce over rice or mashed potatoes, add steamed green beans or a simple salad, and dinner is done.
Ingredients
- 4 bone in or boneless pork chops (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds total)
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple rings in juice, undrained
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (any favorite brand)
- 1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
Directions
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little oil.
- Place the pork chops in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Open the can of pineapple rings. Pour the pineapple juice into a small bowl, and set the rings aside.
- Whisk together the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, and onion soup mix until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops.
- Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the pork chops.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork chops are tender and the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if desired. For a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and cook until thickened.
- Serve warm with the pineapple rings and sauce spooned on top.
Variations & Tips
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own. Here are some ideas and tips to get the best results every time.
- Swap the barbecue sauce: For picky eaters, use a milder barbecue sauce or swap it for 1/2 cup ketchup mixed with 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar. For a kick, try spicy barbecue sauce and add red pepper flakes.
- Add soy sauce: For extra umami and that classic sweet and salty balance, stir in 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce along with the other liquids. This pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
- Use different meat: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well in place of pork chops. Adjust cooking time to 4 to 5 hours on LOW or until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Lighten it up: Trim excess fat from the pork chops and use a low sugar barbecue sauce.
- Get creative with pineapple: If your kids aren’t fans of whole rings, chop the pineapple into chunks and stir them into the sauce.
- Add aromatics: Sliced onions, bell peppers, or a few cloves of garlic placed under the pork add extra flavor.
- Browning option: For deeper flavor through the Maillard reaction, sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. It’s not required, but it adds richness.
- Thickening the sauce: The cooking liquid is naturally thin. To make a glaze, remove the pork and pineapple, then simmer the liquid on the stovetop or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water). Stir until thickened.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat well and can be shredded for sandwiches or served over rice.
| Barbecue Sauce | Sweetness Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (your favorite brand) | Medium | All purpose, kid friendly |
| Mild or honey barbecue | Sweeter | Picky eaters, milder flavor |
| Spicy barbecue + red pepper flakes | Sweet & hot | Adults who like heat |
| Ketchup + brown sugar (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) | Sweet & tangy | Quick pantry substitute |
For the richest flavor, take a few minutes to sear the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker. That browned crust adds a depth that makes the dish taste like it simmered all day.
Jump to:
- 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Chops
- Ingredients
- Directions
- Variations & Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you put raw pork chops in a slow cooker without browning them first?
- How long should you cook pork chops in a crockpot to keep them tender?
- What is the best cut of pork chop for a slow cooker?
- Can you use canned pineapple with pork chops in the slow cooker?
- How do you thicken the sauce from slow cooker pineapple pork chops?
- What sides go well with pineapple pork chops?
- Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Chops
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Last Step:
- Notes
- Nutrition
- Did you make this recipe?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put raw pork chops in a slow cooker without browning them first?
How long should you cook pork chops in a crockpot to keep them tender?
What is the best cut of pork chop for a slow cooker?
Can you use canned pineapple with pork chops in the slow cooker?
How do you thicken the sauce from slow cooker pineapple pork chops?
What sides go well with pineapple pork chops?

Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Chops
🍍 Four simple ingredients transform pork chops into a tender, sweet and salty dinner with almost no hands-on work.
🥘 Perfect for busy weeknights, this budget-friendly slow cooker meal is kid-approved and pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 bone in or boneless pork chops (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds total)
1 (20 oz) can pineapple rings in juice, undrained
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (any favorite brand)
1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
Instructions
1-Grease the slow cooker: Lightly coat the slow cooker with nonstick spray or oil.
2-Layer the pork chops: Place pork chops in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.
3-Drain the pineapple: Open the can, pour juice into a bowl, and set pineapple rings aside.
4-Mix the sauce: Whisk together pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, and onion soup mix until combined.
5-Pour the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops.
6-Add pineapple rings: Arrange pineapple rings on top of the pork chops.
7-Cook the pork chops: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until tender and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
8-Adjust the sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning; for thicker sauce, simmer liquid or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp cold water) until thickened.
9-Serve: Serve warm with the pineapple rings and sauce spooned on top.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
💡 For deeper flavor, sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker.
🍯 Swap barbecue sauce for ketchup mixed with brown sugar to create a milder, sweeter version for picky eaters.
❄️ Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be shredded for sandwiches or served over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with pineapple and sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg






