If you’re looking for a simple, hands-off way to make pork chops that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor, cooking them in a crock pot is the way to go. Slow cooking pork chops allows the meat to break down gently, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or just love comfort food, crock pot pork chops are a delicious and easy meal solution.
Why Cook Pork Chops in a Crock Pot?
– Effortless cooking: Just add your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
– Tender results: Low and slow heat makes pork chops fall-apart tender.
– Flavorful: The pork simmers in a rich sauce or gravy, soaking up all the delicious seasonings.
– Perfect for busy days: Prep in the morning, come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
What You’ll Need
– Pork chops (bone-in, thicker cuts like blade, shoulder, or sirloin chops work best for tenderness)
– Seasoning (onion soup mix, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
– Broth or stock (beef or chicken broth adds flavor and moisture)
– Condensed soup (cream of mushroom or cream of onion for a creamy gravy)
– Vegetables (optional: mushrooms, onions, carrots, potatoes)
– Cornstarch (optional, for thickening gravy)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pork Chops in a Crock Pot
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
You don’t need to brown the pork chops first, but seasoning them well is key. Many recipes recommend using a packet of onion soup mix or a blend of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper to add flavor without extra salt. The seasoning will infuse the meat as it cooks.
2. Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Start by placing vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions at the bottom of the crock pot. This helps them cook evenly and absorb flavors. Then, lay the seasoned pork chops on top.
3. Add Liquid and Soup
Pour broth over the pork chops and vegetables, then add condensed soup to create a rich, creamy sauce. The moisture is essential for keeping the pork tender during the slow cooking process.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for about 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking time allows the pork chops to become tender and juicy without drying out. Cooking on high is possible but usually requires 3 to 4 hours and may not yield as tender results.
5. Optional: Thicken the Gravy
If you want a thicker gravy, mix equal parts cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the cooking liquid near the end of cooking. Let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pork Chops
– Choose the right cut: Thicker bone-in chops with good marbling (fat) work best for slow cooking. Lean chops can become dry or tough.
– Don’t skip the seasoning: Onion soup mix or ranch seasoning packets add great flavor and reduce the need for extra salt.
– Add vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and onions make the meal complete and soak up the delicious juices.
– Avoid overcooking: While slow cooking is forgiving, cooking too long can cause the meat to fall apart too much unless that’s your goal.
– Frozen pork chops work: You can cook frozen pork chops in the crock pot, but avoid very large frozen cuts to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Crock pot pork chops are delicious served over:
– Mashed potatoes
– Egg noodles or pasta
– Rice
– With a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad
The rich gravy from the crock pot pairs beautifully with these sides and makes for a comforting, hearty meal.
Variations to Try
– Creamy mushroom gravy: Add sliced mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup for a classic flavor.
– Onion soup pork chops: Use onion soup mix and broth for a savory, simple sauce.
– Ranch-seasoned chops: Mix ranch seasoning with garlic powder for a tangy twist.
– Add lemon or herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and a splash of lemon juice brighten the dish.
Cooking pork chops in a crock pot is a foolproof way to get tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Just layer your ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner time!
Your crock pot will do the heavy lifting, and you’ll be rewarded with a comforting meal everyone will love.