If you’re looking for a 4-ingredient dinner hack that actually delivers on flavor, these Crockpot BBQ Cola Pork Chops are it. The cola acts as a natural tenderizer, creating a rich, sweet glaze that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

This post was originally published in August 2017 and updated in January 2026 with new photos, expanded ingredient notes, and expert tips to help you make the perfect meal!
Jump to:
- Why These Chops are Soda-licious
- Ingredient Photo: Crockpot BBQ Cola Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops Ingredient Notes
- How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Pork Chops
- Additional Add-Ins
- Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Chops
- Storage and Reheating
- What to Serve with BBQ Cola Pork Chops
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Pork Chop Recipes You’ll Love
- Crockpot BBQ Cola Pork Chops

Why These Chops are Soda-licious
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: You get juicy pork chops with just a handful of pantry staples. The cola acts as a tenderizer, making the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Simple Prep: This is truly an easy recipe—just mix the sauce and toss everything into the crockpot and let it do all the work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
- Complete the Menu: When paired with quick side dishes like a potato and vegetable you can create an easy meal that the whole family will request again and again.
Ingredient Photo: Crockpot BBQ Cola Pork Chops

Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops Ingredient Notes
- Pork Chops: I prefer boneless pork chops for easy serving. If you use bone-in chops, they will work just as well, though they may require a slightly longer cook time to get tender.
- Cola: We usually grab whatever is in the fridge (typically Pepsi). Any brand of dark cola works perfectly here to help tenderize the meat and add sweetness.
- BBQ Sauce: There is no wrong choice! Use your favorite brand, whether it’s smoky, spicy, or extra sweet.
- Ketchup: This adds a nice vinegary zip and helps thicken the sauce as it simmers. Don’t have ketchup? Use tomato sauce instead.
How to Make Crock Pot BBQ Pork Chops
Here’s a quick look at the steps (with photos). You’ll find complete directions with ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.

Mix cola, barbecue sauce and ketchup together in a medium bowl.

Add sauce mixture then add chops, spoon sauce over chops and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours.
Additional Add-Ins
- Sweeten the Sauce: For even more sweetness, you can add a touch of brown sugar. I would recommend sticking to ¼ cup or less so it doesn’t overpower the tangy BBQ flavor.
- Boost the Savory Notes: Adding fresh garlic or garlic powder is an easy way to add more depth of flavor. If you’re a garlic lover, 2-3 cloves or a teaspoon of powder works great!
- A Hint of Heat: If you want a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can really round out the sauce.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Chops
- Choose Your Speed: For the best results, you can cook these low and slow for 6–7 hours. However, if you are short on time, the high setting for about 3 hours also works beautifully. The acidity in the cola helps tenderize the meat even at a faster pace.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chops are cooked perfectly use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature. You are aiming for 145° (63°C).
- The Warm Setting is Your Friend: As soon as your chops hit the target temperature, flip your slow cooker to the warm setting. This keeps them hot for serving without continuing to cook the moisture out of the meat.
- Let Them Rest: Once you take the chops out of the crockpot, let them sit for about 5 minutes. This ensures the flavorful pork chops stay juicy when you cut into them.
Storage and Reheating
- To Store: Place any leftover BBQ pork chops (and the juice!) in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the Microwave: For a quick lunch, reheat individual chops in the microwave in 30-second intervals. I recommend adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to the container to keep the meat from drying out.
- Reheat in the Oven (Best Results): To keep that “just cooked” texture, place the chops in a casserole dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350° (177°C) about 30 minutes, or until warmed through,
- Pro Tip: According to experts at The Kitchn, the secret to reheating pork without it getting tough is to use low heat and a bit of extra moisture (like the sauce from the bottom of your crockpot!).
What to Serve with BBQ Cola Pork Chops
Looking for sides that are just as easy as these slow cooker bbq pork chops? I’ve gathered my favorites to help you round out the meal!
- For the Potato Lovers: Try my quick Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes or a classic Make-Ahead Potato Salad.
- The Veggie Balance: Add some Creamed Peas or Pan-Fried Green Beans for a fresh option.
- The Must-Have Carbs: Soak up that delicious BBQ cola sauce with Air Fryer Biscuits or a Garlic Butter Baguette.

Frequently Asked Questions
It’s safer to thaw them first because frozen in the slow cooker pork chops can sit in the danger zone (40°F–140°F) for too long.
No, the cola breaks down to tenderize the meat and leaves a delicious sweetness.
Yes! Dr. Pepper or Root Beer are excellent alternatives.
More Pork Chop Recipes You’ll Love
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Crockpot BBQ Cola Pork Chops
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops
- ½-1 can of cola
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Mix cola, barbecue sauce and ketchup together in a medium bowl.6 pork chops, ½-1 can of cola, 1 cup barbecue sauce, ½ cup ketchup
- Spray slow cooker with cooking spray or line with plastic liner.cooking spray
- Add sauce mixture then add chops, spoon sauce over chops and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours.6 pork chops














Awesome! Thank you for this recipe!♥️
You are welcome, thanks for stopping by!
I would’ve never thought to do chops in a slow cooker, thanks for the food for thought!
Great for when you want to come home to dinner, the main course at least. Thanks!
wow the pork chop looks so juicy and tender!
Yes! Thanks, Angie