There are some recipes that just become staples in your kitchen, aren’t there? The ones you pull out when life gets a little chaotic, or when you just need a serious dose of comfort food without all the fuss. For me, that recipe is my absolute favorite Crock Pot Pork Chops. Seriously, if you haven’t tried making pork chops this way, get ready to have your mind blown. I remember the first time I made these; I was juggling a toddler, a looming deadline, and the sudden realization that dinner wasn’t going to magically appear. I tossed everything into the Slow Cooker with a healthy dose of skepticism, and when I came back hours later, the aroma that filled my house was pure magic. The pork chops were so incredibly tender, they practically melted in your mouth. It’s honestly a game-changer, and so much simpler than pan-frying or baking them to perfection.
What are crock pot pork chops?
So, what exactly are Crock Pot Pork Chops? Think of them as the ultimate hands-off meal. It’s a method where you take beautiful, often bone-in or thick-cut pork chops, and let them slow-cook in a flavorful liquid until they’re fall-apart tender. It’s not about searing them to a crisp beforehand; this method is all about infusing them with moisture and flavor as they gently cook. The Slow Cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming what could sometimes be a tougher cut of meat into something unbelievably succulent. It’s essentially a culinary hug for your pork chops, making them forgiving enough for even the busiest cook. The magic happens as the connective tissues break down, leaving you with a dish that’s both incredibly easy and surprisingly elegant.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best crock pot pork chops recipes?flavor is just out of this world. We’re talking savory, rich, and deeply satisfying. The way the pork absorbs all the deliciousness from the cooking liquid is something you just have to taste to believe. Then there’s the sheer simplicity. If you can dump ingredients into a pot, you can make this. No fancy techniques, no constant monitoring. It’s the definition of a dump-and-go meal, which, let’s be honest, is pure gold on a weeknight. And speaking of gold, it’s incredibly cost-efficient too! Pork chops are often on sale, and the other ingredients are pantry staples, making this a budget-friendly way to feed your family a delicious, impressive meal. What I love most about this is its incredible versatility. You can serve these pork chops with literally anything – mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or even just a side salad. It’s perfect for a family dinner, but I’ve also made it for potlucks and people always rave about it. It’s a recipe that just keeps on giving, and honestly, it’s become my go-to when I want something hearty and comforting without the stress. It’s a lot like my Slow Cooker Pot Roast, but with that distinct porky goodness.
How do I make a crock pot pork chop?
Quick Overview
The beauty of these Crock Pot Pork Chops lies in their effortless preparation. You’ll simply season your pork chops, nestle them into the Slow Cooker with a savory liquid and aromatics, and let time do the rest. The slow, gentle cooking process ensures maximum tenderness and flavor infusion, resulting in fork-tender perfection with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing all day long, and the cleanup is usually a breeze.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
4-6 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-1.5 inches thick)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Savory Liquid:
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium is great!)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
1 bay leaf (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
For Optional Thickening (Gravy!):
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
2 tablespoons water or broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pork Chops
First things first, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Generously sprinkle this seasoning blend all over both sides of the pork chops. Don’t be shy with it – this is where a lot of the initial flavor comes from!
Step 2: Prepare the Savory Liquid
In your slow cooker insert (or a separate bowl if you prefer), whisk together the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and the bay leaf, if you’re using it. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Arrange the Pork Chops
Now, carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible. Try not to overlap them too much; this helps them cook more evenly. Pour the savory liquid mixture over the top of the pork chops. Make sure the liquid comes up about halfway or more on the chops. The lid of your slow cooker will trap the steam and moisture, creating that amazing tender texture.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and the efficiency of your slow cooker. The goal is for the pork to be incredibly tender and easy to shred or cut with a fork. I usually check them around the 4-hour mark on low, just to see how they’re doing. You want them to be easily pierced with a fork, with no pink remaining in the center, and yielding easily.
Step 5: Make the Gravy (Optional but Recommended!)
Once the pork chops are cooked and tender, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and set them aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep them warm. For the gravy, if you’d like a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour (or cornstarch) with the 2 tablespoons of water or broth until smooth. Turn your slow cooker to the HIGH setting (if it’s not already) and stir this slurry into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a nice gravy. Taste it and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a pinch more salt or pepper?
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the pork chops rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist and flavorful. You can serve them whole, or shred them with forks if you want a pulled pork-like texture. Spoon that delicious gravy over the top, and get ready for some serious compliments!
What to Serve It With
These Crock Pot Pork Chops are so wonderfully versatile, they truly go with almost anything! For a classic, comforting meal, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes. The pork and gravy just meld perfectly with them. If you’re feeling a bit lighter, fluffy white rice is another fantastic option to soak up all that amazing sauce. For a more complete dinner, I love serving these alongside some roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. They add a nice freshness and balance to the richness of the pork. My kids also adore them piled high on toasted buns for a delicious pulled pork-style sandwich, especially if I’ve made extra gravy to drizzle on top. Sometimes, for a quick and easy lunch, I’ll shred the leftovers and toss them into a hearty green salad. The possibilities are truly endless!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock Pot Pork Chops
I’ve made this Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make a difference. Firstly, choosing the right pork chops is key. I always try to go for thicker cuts, at least 1-inch thick, and bone-in ones tend to be even more flavorful and stay moist. If you can only find thinner ones, just reduce the cooking time on HIGH so they don’t dry out. When it comes to the savory liquid, don’t be afraid to experiment! I’ve added a splash of apple cider vinegar for a little tang, or a bit of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor. Sometimes, if I don’t have chicken broth, I’ll just use all water, but the broth adds so much more savory depth. For the gravy, if you want it extra silky smooth, you can strain out the garlic bits and bay leaf before whisking in the slurry. I also learned the hard way that if you put the lid on too tightly without properly sealing, you might lose too much liquid, so make sure your slow cooker lid fits snugly. And a final thought: always taste and adjust seasoning at the end! Your broth or soy sauce might be saltier than mine, so a quick taste test before serving can save you from having an under-seasoned or overly salty dish. Trust me on this one – it’s worth those few extra seconds!
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about Crock Pot Pork Chops is how well they store and reheat! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they’re fantastic. Once cooled, I like to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually seem to deepen overnight! When you’re ready to reheat, you’ve got a few options. For individual portions, you can gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra broth to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, again, with a little liquid added, for about 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through. If you made extra gravy, reheat that separately. For freezing, I usually shred the cooked pork chops and store them in freezer bags with some of the cooking liquid. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. To thaw, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as usual. For the glaze or gravy, it’s best to store it separately from the pork chops if you’re planning on long-term storage, as it can sometimes make the meat mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, if you’re looking for a way to make pork chops that are unbelievably tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy, you’ve found it. These Crock Pot Pork Chops are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and just plain delicious comfort food. I love knowing that dinner is taken care of while I focus on other things, and the reward is a meal that tastes like it took hours of effort. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero with minimal stress. Give these a try, and I promise, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation. If you love this, you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork – another fantastic dump-and-go winner! I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts or any fun variations you try!
Crock Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pork chops Pork Chops
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 package Dry Onion Soup Mix
- 1 cup Water
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place pork chops in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with onion soup mix and black pepper.
- Pour water over the pork chops.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until pork chops are cooked through and tender.
