Crock Pot Pork Chops: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Crock Pot Pork Chops: Imagine coming home after a long day to the comforting aroma of tender, juicy pork chops that practically melt in your mouth. No slaving over a hot stove, no complicated techniques – just pure, unadulterated deliciousness waiting for you. That’s the magic of this incredibly simple, yet satisfying recipe!

While pork chops have been a staple in kitchens across the globe for generations, the beauty of using a crock pot, or slow cooker, is a relatively modern convenience. It allows us to transform even the most humble cuts of meat into culinary masterpieces with minimal effort. Think of it as a modern take on traditional braising methods, where low and slow cooking coaxes out maximum flavor and tenderness.

What makes Crock Pot Pork Chops so universally loved? It’s a combination of factors. First, the taste is simply divine. The slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb all the flavors of the accompanying ingredients, resulting in a rich, savory dish. Second, the texture is unparalleled. Forget dry, tough pork chops – these are incredibly tender and juicy. And finally, the convenience is unbeatable. Simply toss everything into the crock pot in the morning, and dinner is ready when you are. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So, are you ready to experience the ease and deliciousness of slow-cooked perfection? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Pork Chops:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to get those pork chops ready for their slow-cooking adventure. This is where we build the flavor foundation, so don’t skip these steps!

1. Pat the pork chops dry: This is super important! Use paper towels to thoroughly dry each pork chop. This helps them get a nice sear, which adds a ton of flavor. Wet pork chops will just steam in the pan, and we don’t want that.
2. Season generously: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Mix it all up really well. Now, sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop. Don’t be shy! We want every bite to be flavorful. Gently rub the seasoning into the pork to make sure it adheres.
3. Sear the pork chops (optional, but highly recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches. Sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned. This step adds a beautiful color and a delicious crust to the pork, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Remove the seared pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.

Building the Flavor Base in the Crock Pot:

Now that the pork chops are prepped, it’s time to create a cozy flavor haven in the crock pot. This is where the magic happens, and the slow cooking process will transform these simple ingredients into a tender and flavorful meal.

4. Sauté the onions and garlic (optional, but adds depth): In the same skillet you used to sear the pork chops (don’t worry about cleaning it; those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the sliced onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is bitter and can ruin the dish.
5. Layer the ingredients in the crock pot: If you sautéed the onions and garlic, spread them evenly over the bottom of the crock pot. This creates a flavorful base for the pork chops. If you skipped the sautéing step, simply place the sliced onion and minced garlic directly into the bottom of the crock pot.
6. Arrange the pork chops: Place the seared (or unseared, if you skipped that step) pork chops on top of the onion and garlic in the crock pot. Try to arrange them in a single layer, if possible. If they overlap slightly, that’s okay.
7. Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This sauce will create a creamy and savory coating for the pork chops as they cook.
8. Pour the sauce over the pork chops: Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops in the crock pot, making sure they are well coated.

Slow Cooking to Perfection:

This is the easiest part! Now we just let the crock pot do its thing. The low and slow cooking process will tenderize the pork chops and allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

9. Cook on low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork chops are very tender and easily shred with a fork. Cooking time can vary depending on your crock pot, so check the pork chops after 6 hours to see if they are done.
10. Cook on high (alternative): If you’re short on time, you can cook the pork chops on high for 3-4 hours, or until they are tender. However, cooking on low is generally recommended for the best results, as it allows the flavors to develop more fully and the pork chops to become more tender.

Serving Suggestions:

The aroma alone will have your mouth watering! Now it’s time to serve up these delicious crock pot pork chops. Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

11. Shred the pork chops (optional): If you prefer, you can shred the pork chops with two forks before serving. This is especially nice if you’re serving them over mashed potatoes or rice.
12. Serve over mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with pork chops and gravy. The sauce from the crock pot is perfect for drizzling over the potatoes.
13. Serve over rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are also great options for serving with these pork chops. The rice will soak up all the delicious sauce.
14. Serve with egg noodles: Egg noodles are another comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs well with pork chops and gravy.
15. Add a side of vegetables: Round out your meal with a side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple salad.
16. Garnish (optional): Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips and Variations:

• Add vegetables to the crock pot: You can add chopped vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery to the crock pot along with the pork chops for a complete one-pot meal. Add them in step 5, before placing the pork chops in the crock pot.
• Use different types of soup: Experiment with different types of condensed soup, such as cream of celery, cream of chicken, or golden mushroom soup. Each type of soup will add a slightly different flavor to the dish.
• Add a splash of wine: For a richer flavor, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the sauce.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a little heat.
• Use bone-in pork chops: Bone-in pork chops will add even more flavor to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Thicken the sauce (if needed): If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover crock pot pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freezing Instructions:

To freeze, allow the pork chops to cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

This Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers incredibly tender, flavorful pork chops with minimal effort. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth goodness that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, when in reality, your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the consistently delicious results it provides. Forget dry, tough pork chops – this method guarantees juicy, succulent perfection every single time.

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! The versatility of these Crock Pot Pork Chops is another reason why I’m so enthusiastic about sharing it with you. The flavorful gravy created during the slow cooking process is absolutely divine served over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Imagine fluffy mashed potatoes soaking up that rich, savory sauce – pure comfort food heaven! For a lighter option, try serving the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. The contrast of the tender pork with the slightly charred veggies is simply delightful.

Looking for variations? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor profile to your liking. A dash of smoked paprika can add a smoky depth, while a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle kick. You could also try adding sliced onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture. For a sweeter twist, consider incorporating a touch of apple cider vinegar or a drizzle of honey into the sauce. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try using bone-in pork chops for even more flavor? The possibilities are endless!

Beyond the taste and versatility, this recipe is also incredibly convenient. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend cooking. Simply throw the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. It’s also a great option for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch of Crock Pot Pork Chops on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. They reheat beautifully and taste just as good, if not better, the next day.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a reliable, foolproof way to cook pork chops that consistently delivers exceptional results. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful pork chops.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served them. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking! I am sure you will love this Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe.