You know those nights, right? The ones where you walk in the door, utterly exhausted, and the thought of cooking anything more complicated than toast feels like scaling Mount Everest? Yeah, I live for those nights, and by “live for,” I mean I’ve developed a whole arsenal of recipes that swoop in like a superhero to save dinner. This slow cooker pork chops recipe is my absolute go-to. It’s the kind of meal that fills your house with the most amazing aroma, and the best part? Minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Forget those dry, sad pork chops you might have had in the past; this method delivers tender, juicy perfection every single time. It’s honestly as easy as throwing a few things into a pot, and I promise, your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is slow cooker pork chops?
So, what exactly are we talking about here? When I say “Slow Cooker pork chops,” think of it as the ultimate comfort food, elevated. It’s essentially bone-in or boneless pork chops that have been lovingly nestled into a slow cooker with a symphony of savory ingredients – think onions, garlic, broth, and a secret sprinkle of herbs that just wakes everything up. They then get to hang out in there for a few hours, slowly braising until they’re fall-apart tender. It’s like a gentle hug for your pork, turning what could be a tough cut into something unbelievably succulent. This isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a transformation. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar without actually having to do much rockstar-level cooking. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s darn delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin with why this Slow Cooker pork chops recipe is a game-changer? First off, the flavor is absolutely unreal. We’re talking rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. The slow cooking process melds all those wonderful aromatics together, creating this incredible sauce that clings beautifully to the tender pork. It’s the kind of taste that reminds you of home, of good times, and of meals shared around the table. Then there’s the sheer simplicity. I’m talking about a dump-and-go situation for most of the cooking. Seriously, it takes mere minutes to get everything prepped and into the slow cooker. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when the kids are hungry and you’re running on fumes. And let’s talk budget! Pork chops are often quite affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples, making this a super cost-effective way to feed your family a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal. What I love most, though, is the versatility. This recipe is a blank canvas. You can serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, with noodles, or even with some crusty bread to sop up that incredible sauce. It’s a recipe I’ve made countless times, and it never fails to impress, even when I’m just throwing it together last minute. It truly stands out because it delivers on all fronts: incredible taste, ease, affordability, and flexibility. It’s the definition of a win-win-win.
How do I make slow cooker pork chops?
Quick Overview
This recipe is all about effortless deliciousness. You’ll simply sear your pork chops for a bit of color and depth, then layer them in your Slow Cooker with a flavorful mix of onions, garlic, broth, and seasonings. Let it do its magic on low heat for several hours, and you’ll end up with incredibly tender, juicy pork chops bathed in a luscious sauce. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that practically cooks itself.
Ingredients
For Pork Chops: For the Pork Chops: For the Pork
4-6 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick) – I like bone-in for extra flavor, but boneless are great for speed!
2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil – just enough to get a nice sear.
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste – don’t be shy with the seasoning!
For the Flavor Base:
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced – this softens beautifully and adds a wonderful sweetness.
4 cloves garlic, minced – or more if you’re a garlic lover like me!
1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth – or even a bit of white wine for extra oomph!
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – this is my secret weapon for umami depth.
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed slightly between your fingers – releases more aroma.
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended for a subtle smoky note)
“I don’t know if I’ve ever eaten a better slow cooker pork chops. The rub alone is wonderful, but the sauce??? Over the top!”
For Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch whisked with 2 tablespoons cold water (a slurry) – if you want a thicker, gravy-like sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops
Grab a large skillet and heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat your pork chops thoroughly dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting a good sear! Season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it (work in batches if necessary). Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they’re nicely browned. They don’t need to be cooked through; we’re just building flavor here. Transfer the seared pork chops to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet (no need to clean it, all those browned bits are flavor gold!), add your sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn translucent. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step is key for infusing the whole dish with aromatic goodness.
Step 3: Deglaze and Combine Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let this simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika (if using). Give it a good mix.
Step 4: Pour Over the Pork Chops
Carefully pour this delicious onion-garlic mixture evenly over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Make sure the liquid gets around the chops.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the thickness of your pork chops. You’re looking for the pork to be incredibly tender and easily pierced with a fork. I usually check mine around the 4-hour mark on low, as my slow cooker runs pretty hot.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Once the pork chops are tender, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and set them aside on a plate. If you desire a thicker sauce, whisk together the flour or cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Turn your slow cooker to the HIGH setting (if it isn’t already), stir the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker, and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir frequently.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Return the pork chops to the slow cooker to coat them in the thickened sauce, or simply spoon the sauce generously over the chops when serving. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot!
“Made the slow cooker pork chops tonight and wow — perfect weeknight dinner. Will definitely make again!”
What to Serve It With
This slow cooker pork chops dish is so wonderfully versatile, it’s perfect for almost any meal. For a classic hearty breakfast, I love serving these pork chops alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and a side of crispy hash browns. The savory juices are just divine drizzled over everything. If you’re planning a nice brunch spread, these would be fantastic plated with a light, fluffy frittata and some fresh fruit salad. The rich flavor of the pork complements the lighter brunch fare beautifully. As a more decadent dessert, you might think I’m crazy, but hear me out! A small portion of these savory chops with a tiny drizzle of the sauce can be an unexpectedly delightful savory course before a sweet dessert, especially if you’re having a multi-course meal. For those cozy snack cravings, or just a simple weeknight dinner, serving these over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice is pure comfort. Don’t forget some crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce! My family also adores them with a side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to add a nice fresh element.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Pork Chops
There are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years that really make a difference when making these slow cooker pork chops. First, about the pork chops themselves: always choose chops that are at least 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Thinner chops tend to dry out much faster, even in the slow cooker. Bone-in chops are my personal favorite because the bone adds so much extra flavor and moisture, but boneless work perfectly fine too, just keep an eye on them as they might cook a little quicker. When it comes to searing, don’t skip this step! It’s not about cooking the pork through, but about developing that beautiful Maillard reaction, which creates so much more depth of flavor in the final dish. Patting the pork chops *very* dry before searing is absolutely key to getting a good, even brown crust. For the onions, slicing them thinly ensures they soften and almost melt into the sauce, adding sweetness without being overpowering. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two; it’s pretty forgiving! When it comes to the broth, while chicken or vegetable broth is standard, I’ve had great results using a bit of dry white wine mixed with broth for an extra layer of sophistication. For the herbs, fresh is always lovely if you have it, but dried works wonderfully here, just remember to crush the rosemary slightly between your fingers before adding it; it really helps release its aromatic oils. If you’re using a slow cooker with a “warm” setting, make sure to transfer the pork chops to a warm plate and thicken the sauce on HIGH before returning them, as “warm” isn’t usually hot enough to properly thicken. My biggest mistake early on was overcooking them, even in the slow cooker! Always start checking for tenderness around the lower end of the suggested cooking time. They should yield easily to a fork. And finally, for the sauce, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate it even further.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Honestly, leftovers of this slow cooker pork chops dish are a treasure. If you happen to have any (which is rare in my house!), you can store them beautifully. For storing at room temperature, I generally don’t recommend leaving them out for more than two hours, as the sauce can be a tempting place for bacteria to grow. Once cooled slightly, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, making them even tastier. If you need to store them for longer, freezing is a great option. Make sure the pork chops and sauce are completely cooled before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They’ll last for a good 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When it comes to reheating, I find that gently warming them is best to maintain that tender texture. On the stovetop, place the pork chops and some of the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you’re using the microwave, cover the dish loosely with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid and heat on medium power, checking frequently to avoid drying them out. If you froze them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For the sauce, if you thickened it, it should reheat nicely. If you didn’t thicken it and want a saucier result after reheating, you can always make a fresh slurry and thicken it in a saucepan before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to method for the most tender, flavorful slow cooker pork chops. I genuinely hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen too. It’s more than just a meal; it’s about making delicious, comforting food accessible, even on your busiest days. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible taste is truly something special, and I think you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve such fantastic results. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for slow cooker shredded chicken tacos or my easy weeknight chicken stir-fry – they’re all about maximum flavor with minimum fuss! I can’t wait to hear how your slow cooker pork chops turn out. Feel free to leave a comment below with your own tips or variations, or rate the recipe if you give it a try. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops pork chops
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Season the pork chops with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and dry onion soup mix until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pork chops are tender.
- Serve hot.
