Slow Cooker Pork Chops are a great way to enjoy tender and juicy meat without much hassle. Just season the chops, toss them in the slow cooker, and let them cook all day!
I love how the flavors mix together while they cook. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days when I still want something yummy on the table. Serve with some rice for a cozy meal! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using bone-in pork chops for added flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops work too but may need less cooking time.
Olive Oil: This adds richness, but you can substitute with canola or vegetable oil if needed. I like olive oil for its distinct flavor, especially when sautéing the onions.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great substitute, though it changes the flavor a bit.
Thyme: Dried thyme is convenient, but if you can get fresh, it gives a brighter taste. Fresh herbs can be more potent, so adjust the amount accordingly—about three times less than dried herbs works well.
How Do You Get Perfectly Searing Pork Chops?
Getting that nice sear on your pork chops makes a big difference in flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil. This helps create that golden crust.
- Once the oil is hot, gently place the pork chops in the skillet without crowding them.
- Don’t flip them too soon! Let them sear for 2-3 minutes per side to get a good crust, which locks in juices.
This step is key for delicious, juicy pork chops, so give it the time it needs! Enjoy the rich taste that comes from properly seared meat.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Vegetables and Sauce:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
For Serving:
- 12 small baby potatoes, halved
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Pork Chops recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours of slow cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). The result is tender pork chops filled with flavor, making it a great option for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Begin by seasoning the pork chops generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. This will enhance their flavor as they cook.
2. Sear the Chops:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step adds extra flavor! After searing, transfer the pork chops to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and thyme into the skillet. Stir well, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet—they add great flavor! Then, pour this mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
5. Add the Baby Potatoes:
Arrange the halved baby potatoes around the pork chops in the slow cooker. This will allow everything to cook together and absorb the flavors.
6. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
7. Add Green Beans:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the trimmed green beans on top. Cover and let them cook until they are tender but still crisp (this should take about 25-30 minutes).
8. Thicken the Sauce:
Once everything is cooked, remove the pork chops, potatoes, and green beans from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter. To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker, then cook on high without the lid for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the thickened sauce over the pork chops. If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm alongside the potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal.
This recipe produces tender and flavorful pork chops with savory onion gravy, complemented by delicious roasted baby potatoes and crisp green beans. Enjoy your easy and hearty meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops, but be aware they may cook faster. Check for doneness a bit earlier (around 2.5-3 hours on high) to avoid overcooking!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes would make great additions. Just cut them to similar sizes as the baby potatoes, so they cook evenly.
What Should I Do If the Sauce is Too Thin?
If the sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, create a slurry using a bit more cornstarch mixed with water, and stir it into the sauce while cooking on high for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
