Get ready to discover the secret to unbelievably tender, fall-off-the-bone pork chops with this can’t-stop-making-it Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe. This is one of those perfect Easy Crockpot Recipes that delivers a hearty, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal with minimal effort. The pork chops are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and savory onion gravy, making them one of the best Pork Chop Dinner Ideas for a busy weeknight. If you’ve been searching for the Best Pork Chop Recipe that guarantees juicy results every time, your search is over.
Why This is the Ultimate Slow Cooker Pork Chop Recipe
This is one of those classic Pork Chop Crock Pot Recipes that stands the test of time for so many reasons.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender: The slow cooker works its magic, taking simple pork chops and making them incredibly moist and tender.
- Rich, Savory Gravy: The simple combination of onion soup and a few pantry staples creates a deeply flavorful gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.
- Incredibly Easy: After a quick sear, you simply let the slow cooker do all the work. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- A Family-Favorite Meal: The comforting, classic flavors are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it a staple for Family Favorite Meals.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients to create a spectacular meal.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 4-6 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 packet of dry onion soup mix
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can of condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- ¾ cup of chicken broth or water
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- For Thickening (Optional): 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions
A quick sear before slow cooking is the key to the deep flavor in these Tender Pork Chops.
Part 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Sear for Flavor: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with a little salt and pepper. Place the pork chops in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until they have a nice golden-brown crust. You are not cooking them through, just browning them.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared pork chops on top of the onions.
Part 2: Make the Gravy and Cook
- Combine Gravy Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the packet of onion soup mix, the can of condensed soup, the chicken broth, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Combine in Crockpot: Pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the top of the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are completely tender.
Part 3: Finish and Serve
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the cooked pork chops and set them aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, whisk it into the gravy, and turn the heat to HIGH for 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- Serve Hot: Return the pork chops to the gravy to re-warm. Serve the hot pork chops generously smothered in the rich onion gravy. This dish is fantastic served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What kind of pork chops are best for the slow cooker? For the best, most tender results, thicker-cut (about 1-inch thick) bone-in pork chops are a fantastic choice. The bone adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist. However, boneless pork chops also work wonderfully in this Easy Pork Chop Recipe.
2. Do I have to sear the pork chops before slow cooking? While you can skip the searing step if you are very short on time, it is highly recommended. Searing the pork chops creates a beautiful brown crust (known as the Maillard reaction), which adds a deep, rich, savory flavor to both the meat and the final gravy that you won’t get otherwise.
3. How do I know when the pork chops are done? The pork chops are done when they are incredibly tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftover pork chops and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Crock Pot Pork Chops
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet for searing chops
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs for handling chops
Ingredients
- 4-6 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- 0.75 cup chicken broth or water
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops lightly with salt and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden-brown.
- Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange seared pork chops on top.
- In a bowl, whisk onion soup mix, condensed soup, chicken broth, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Pour over pork chops.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until pork chops are tender.
- If thicker gravy is desired, remove pork chops. Whisk cornstarch and cold water in a bowl, stir slurry into gravy, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return chops to gravy before serving.
- Serve pork chops smothered in gravy with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.