There’s something incredibly comforting about a perfectly cooked pork chop, and this Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe delivers that tender, flavorful experience with minimal effort. The slow cooking process transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal, creating a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the moist pork. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell wonderful and your family gather around the table with anticipation.
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you crave a home-cooked meal without the fuss. The beauty of using the slow cooker means you can prep it in the morning and have a delicious dinner ready when you get home. Plus, these Crock Pot Pork Chops are incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of side dishes.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Crock Pot Pork Chops are my go-to. Seriously, they’re a weeknight marvel.
- Effortless Prep: Just 15 minutes of your time.
- Slow Cooker Magic: So tender, so flavorful.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family or guests.
- Comforting & Easy: Makes any evening feel special.
Crock Pot Pork Chops Ingredients
The real beauty of these Crock Pot Pork Chops is how simple ingredients combine to create something truly special. It’s a flavor symphony where each component adds its own unique note, resulting in a deeply satisfying sauce that bathes the tender pork.
- Thick-cut boneless pork chops: These are the heart of our dish. They provide a satisfying bite and absorb all that incredible flavor.
- Kosher salt & Black pepper: Our essential flavor builders. They wake up the pork’s natural taste.
- Onion powder & Paprika: These pantry staples add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the slow cooker pork chops.
- Olive oil: Used for that crucial first sear, it seals in the juices.
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic backbone of our sauce. They offer a sweet and pungent foundation.
- White wine & Chicken broth: These liquids become our flavorful braising potion. They tenderize the meat beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: It lends a delightful tang and helps create a smooth, wonderful sauce.
- Cornstarch slurry: Our secret weapon for thickening the sauce. It gives it that perfect consistency.
- Bay leaves & Fresh thyme: These herbs add a classic, fragrant touch to the entire pot.
Substitutions and Tips:
Want to boost the flavor even more? Try using bone-in pork chops; they often impart extra richness. If white wine isn’t your thing, simply swap it for more chicken broth. And for a little zing, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes alongside the garlic works wonders.
How to Make Crock Pot Pork Chops
Season and Sear the Pork Chops
Season your pork chops all over. Use salt and pepper. Add onion powder and paprika too. Heat olive oil in a big skillet. Make it medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork chops to the hot oil. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes. You want a nice brown crust. This locks in juicy flavor for your Crock Pot Pork Chops. Take the seared chops out. Set them aside for later.
Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze
Add sliced onions to the same skillet. Cook them until they get soft. This takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Now, add your minced garlic. Cook it for just one minute more. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Pour white wine into the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits. Let the wine bubble for a minute. It will get a little thicker.
Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Get a bowl. Whisk chicken broth and Dijon mustard together. Mix them well. In another small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. This makes a slurry. Whisk it until it’s smooth. Add this slurry to the broth mixture. Stir everything together.
Assemble and Cook
Place the seared pork chops in your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over them. Tuck bay leaves and thyme sprigs around the pork. Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Or cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The pork chops should be very tender.
Optional Finishing Touches
When done, take the Crock Pot Pork Chops out. Put them on a plate. Throw away the bay leaves and thyme. Want a richer sauce? Use an immersion blender. Blend the liquid right in the slow cooker. Blend until it’s smooth. Put the pork chops back. Coat them in the thickened sauce. Keep them warm until serving.
PrintCrock Pot Pork Chops
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for Crock Pot Pork Chops, perfect for a weeknight meal. The pork chops are seared to perfection and then slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops (about 3 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ onion sliced thin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup white wine
- 14.5 ounces low-sodium chicken broth (1 can)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Season the pork chops on both sides with the salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, add in the pork chops, searing on each side until browned. Set aside.
- Add in the onions and cook until softened. Then, add in the garlic and cook for a minute.
- Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Then, stir in the Dijon mustard and cornstarch slurry.
- Place the pork chops in the slow cooker, and pour the broth mixture over the pork chops.
- Add in the bay leaves and thyme.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Optional: Once the pork chops are done cooking, remove them from the slow cooker and place on a plate. Remove the bay leaves and thyme and discard. Use an immersion blender to blend the broth mixture until smooth.
- Add the pork chops back to the slow cooker to keep warm until ready to serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store crockpot pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Store Crock Pot Pork Chops
Keeping your Crock Pot Pork Chops tasty is simple with the right storage. First, let any leftovers cool completely. Then, transfer the pork chops and their sauce into an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy again, thaw the pork chops overnight in the refrigerator. This gentle thawing helps maintain their flavor and texture.
Tips for Success
- Always sear your pork chops. This step is vital for great flavor and texture.
- Don’t ever overcrowd the slow cooker. Give everything room to cook evenly.
- Check your Crock Pot Pork Chops. Cooking time varies with chop thickness.
- Taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning before serving, especially after thickening.
- Add a little apple cider vinegar. It brightens the sauce beautifully.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Gathering the right tools makes cooking a breeze.
- Slow Cooker: Any size works for these Crock Pot Pork Chops.
- Large Skillet: Essential for searing.
- Tongs: Handy for moving the hot pork chops.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient prep.
- Whisk: Needed for creating the sauce base.
- Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping onions and garlic.
- Immersion Blender: Optional, but great for a silky sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These Crock Pot Pork Chops are incredibly versatile!
- Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender egg noodles.
- Enjoy with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a light garden salad.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds lovely color.
- Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can use bone-in pork chops. They often contribute even more flavor to slow cooker pork chops. Keep in mind, though, that bone-in cuts might need a bit longer to get just as tender as boneless ones. Always check for doneness!
What if I don’t have white wine for the sauce?
No worries if white wine isn’t in your pantry! Substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth or a dry sherry. Both offer similar depth of flavor for your Crock Pot Pork Chops. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar also adds a lovely tang if you skip the wine altogether.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is thinner than you prefer, another cornstarch slurry works wonders. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the hot liquid in the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, uncovered, until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I make Crock Pot Pork Chops ahead of time?
Yes, you certainly can! For super easy meal prep, sear the pork chops and prep the sauce base the day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, just pop everything into the slow cooker in the morning. This recipe for Crock Pot Pork Chops reheats beautifully too.