Pork Chop Crock Pot – Tender, Juicy, and Full of Flavor

This Pork Chop Crock Pot is a delightful dish that combines succulent, tender pork chops with a rich, savory sauce that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the deep, comforting flavors that develop as the ingredients meld together over low heat. Whether you’re looking for a convenient weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The slow cooking process allows the pork chops to absorb the flavors of the marinade and seasonings, resulting in a tender and juicy meal that practically falls off the bone. Plus, with minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for busy lifestyles. It fits well into hearty, comforting diets while also being a great option for family dinners.

Tips and Tricks

To make this pork chop crock pot recipe even easier and more flavorful, consider these tips:

• Sear the Pork Chops First: For an extra layer of flavor, quickly sear the pork chops in a hot skillet before placing them in the crock pot. This adds a lovely caramelization.
• Use Bone-In Chops: Bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful than boneless cuts.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking or mix in a cornstarch slurry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls when making this dish:

• Overcooking: Pork can dry out if cooked too long. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Skipping the Sear: While it’s not necessary, skipping the searing can lead to less flavor.
• Not Enough Liquid: Ensure there’s enough liquid in the crock pot; otherwise, the pork may dry out.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Don’t be shy about seasoning your pork chops! Properly seasoning will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

For those who like to prep ahead, you can:

• Marinate the Pork Chops: Combine your marinade ingredients the night before and let the pork chops soak in the fridge overnight.
• Chop Vegetables in Advance: If you plan to add vegetables to the dish, chop them the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Cooked pork chops can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making this a great meal prep option.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking:

• Different Sauces: Swap out the sauce for BBQ, teriyaki, or a creamy mushroom sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Add carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers into the crock pot for a one-pot meal.
• Cooking Methods: If you’re short on time, you can cook this recipe in an Instant Pot using the pressure cook setting.

How to Serve

Serve the finished pork chops over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or rice, allowing the sauce to soak in. For a pop of color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Pair with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Pairing Suggestions

For drink pairings, consider a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a refreshing iced tea. Complement your meal with sides like garlic bread, sautéed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For dessert, a light fruit tart would finish the meal beautifully.

How to Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the pork chops in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent drying out.

Equipment Needed

You will need a slow cooker for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can adapt this recipe for a Dutch oven or a stovetop pot, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.

Dietary Adaptations

For dietary restrictions:

• Gluten-Free: Ensure any sauces or marinades used are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free; just watch for any added dairy in sauces.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Pair with cauliflower rice instead of traditional carbs.

Seasonal Adaptations

In the fall or winter, incorporate seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes into the crock pot for added nutrition and flavor. In the spring, fresh peas and asparagus can brighten up the dish.

Cost Breakdown

The estimated cost for this pork chop crock pot recipe is around $10-15 for a family-sized serving (4 servings), making it a budget-friendly meal. Opt for sales on pork chops or look for bulk discounts to save more.

Kitchen Hacks

• Peeling Garlic: Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to easily peel them.
• Quick Marinade: If you’re short on time, use a zip-top bag to marinate the pork chops; this allows for quicker flavor absorption.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen pork chops? Yes, just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
• What can I substitute for the sauce? You can use any favorite sauce, such as BBQ or a homemade gravy.
• How long should I cook pork chops in the crock pot? Generally, 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high is ideal for tender pork chops.

Yield: 4

Pork Chop Crock Pot

Print

This Pork Chop Crock Pot is a delightful dish that combines succulent, tender pork chops with a rich, savory sauce that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the deep, comforting flavors that develop as the ingredients meld together over low heat.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and onion powder to create the marinade.
2. Place the pork chops in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pork chops are tender.
4. If desired, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Once cooked, remove pork chops from the crock pot and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with the sauce spooned over the top.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 402Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 133mgSodium 2114mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 1gSugar 12gProtein 43g

Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

This Pork Chop Crock Pot Recipe is not just easy to prepare but also a comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy. With its rich flavors and tender meat, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe and make it your own by experimenting with flavors and sides. Happy cooking!