Irresistible Crock Pot Pork Chops for a Flavorful Dinner

Crock Pot Pork Chops are a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create a delicious, tender pork chop dinner that the whole family will love. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the pork chops with mouthwatering flavors and transforming them into a fork-tender delight. Get ready to elevate your pork chop game with this easy Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe!

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Using a Crock Pot for Pork Chops

Cooking pork chops in a Crock Pot or slow cooker offers several advantages over traditional stovetop or oven-baked methods. First, the long, gentle cooking process helps to tenderize the pork, breaking down the connective tissues and resulting in a fork-tender, juicy final product. Additionally, the enclosed, moist environment of the slow cooker seals in the flavors, allowing the seasonings and sauces to permeate the pork chops thoroughly. This hands-off cooking approach also frees up your time, allowing you to focus on other meal prep or simply relax while dinner cooks itself.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Pork Chops

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Crock Pot Pork Chops

Season the Pork Chops: Start by seasoning the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Sear the Pork Chops: Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned.

Transfer to the Crock Pot: Once the pork chops are seared, transfer them to the slow cooker.

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute. Then, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.

Cook in the Crock Pot: Pour the sauce 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 and cooked through.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you’d like to thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir the mixture into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the desired consistency is achieved.

Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the Crock Pot Pork Chops with fresh chopped parsley and serve alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy this tender, flavorful pork chop dish!

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Crock Pot Pork Chops

To ensure your Crock Pot Pork Chops turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Sear the Pork Chops First: Taking the extra step to sear the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker helps to lock in the juices and develop a nice, caramelized crust on the meat.
• Monitor Cooking Times: Pork chops can overcook quickly in a slow cooker, so keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed. Tender, juicy pork chops are the goal!
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness. This will result in a perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat pork chop.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply mix the cornstarch and water together and stir it into the sauce in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Pork Chops

Crock Pot Pork Chops pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Some delicious options include:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttery egg noodles
• Roasted or steamed vegetables (such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
• A fresh green salad
• Fluffy white rice

The creamy sauce from the Crock Pot Pork Chops is simply divine when drizzled over any of these sides, allowing the flavors to mingle together for a truly satisfying meal.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about Crock Pot Pork Chops is the ability to customize the dish to your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Flavor Variations: Try swapping the Italian seasoning for other spice blends, such as Cajun, taco, or ranch seasoning. You can also experiment with different types of mustard or even add a touch of honey or barbecue sauce to the sauce.
• Vegetable Additions: Throw in some diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
• Alternate Protein Options: While this recipe is designed for pork chops, you can easily substitute other cuts of pork, such as boneless pork loin or tenderloin, or even chicken breasts or thighs.
• Dairy-Free or Lighter Version: For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk or broth instead of the heavy cream. Or, opt for a lower-fat half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter take on the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook 3 ingredient pork chops in a crock pot?

To cook 3 ingredient pork chops in a crock pot, simply season the pork chops with salt and pepper, then place them in the slow cooker. Add a can of cream of mushroom soup (or another creamy condensed soup) and a small amount of chicken broth or water. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.

Is it better to cook pork in a crock pot on high or low?

For the most tender and juicy pork chops, it’s generally better to cook them in a crock pot on the low setting. The low, slow cooking process helps to break down the connective tissues in the pork, resulting in a more tender final dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can cook the pork chops on the high setting for 2-3 hours, just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

What sauce to put on pork chops in a slow cooker?

There are many delicious sauce options to pair with pork chops in a slow cooker. Some popular choices include:

• Creamy mushroom sauce
• Honey garlic sauce
• Barbecue or teriyaki sauce
• Creamy gravy
• Lemon-herb sauce
• Balsamic-based sauce

For this specific Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe, we’re using a creamy, garlic-infused sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard.

Do you need to put liquid in a slow cooker with pork?

Yes, it’s generally recommended to add some liquid to the slow cooker when cooking pork. The liquid helps to keep the pork moist and tender as it cooks. For this Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe, we’re using a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream to create a delicious sauce. However, you can also use other liquids like water, stock, or even wine or beer to add flavor and moisture to the pork chops.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Garlic Boneless Pork Chops
• Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Potatoes
• Texas Roadhouse Pork Chop

Crock Pot Pork Chops are a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. With the slow cooker doing the hard work, you can enjoy tender, juicy pork chops with a creamy, garlic-infused sauce. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite veggies, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

Print