Slow Cooker Pork Chops
These slow cooker pork chops are tender, juicy, and cooked in a rich, savory gravy. They’re ideal for a hands-off dinner and pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 4–6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
For the Gravy
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
To Thicken the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh thyme
Equipment
- Slow cooker (4- to 6-quart)
- Skillet (optional, for searing)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Pork
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
Step 2: Sear (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the pork chops for about 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
Why sear?
- Adds flavor
- Improves color
- Creates a richer gravy
This step is optional if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the minced garlic.
Lay the pork chops on top.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Chicken broth
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Thyme
- Rosemary
Pour the mixture evenly over the pork chops.
Step 5: Cook
Cook on:
- LOW: 4–6 hours (recommended for the most tender results)
- HIGH: 2–3 hours
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It may cook to a higher temperature in the slow cooker and still remain tender because of the moist cooking environment.
Avoid overcooking very lean pork chops, as they can become dry.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
About 20–30 minutes before serving:
- Mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Stir it into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Serve with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed rice
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Dinner rolls
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Pork Chops
- Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier and have more flavor.
- Boneless chops cook a little faster but can dry out if they’re very thin.
Aim for chops that are ¾ to 1 inch thick.
Don’t Skip the Onion
As the onions cook, they soften and add sweetness and depth to the gravy.
Use Low-Sodium Broth
This gives you better control over the saltiness, especially since condensed soup and Worcestershire sauce already contain sodium.
Adjust the Gravy
For a richer sauce:
- Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
For a deeper mushroom flavor:
- Stir in 8 ounces (225 g) of sliced mushrooms with the onions.
Variations
Ranch Pork Chops
Add:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Garlic Parmesan
Stir in:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
Creamy Herb
Add:
- ½ cup sour cream after cooking (stir in just before serving).
Mushroom Lovers
Add:
- 8–10 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced.
Spicy Version
Mix in:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze with the gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
Nutrition (Approximate, Per Serving)
- Calories: 350–450
- Protein: 30–35 g
- Fat: 18–24 g
- Carbohydrates: 10–15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: Varies depending on the broth and soup used
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pork chops?
It’s best to thaw pork chops before placing them in a slow cooker. Starting with frozen meat can keep it at unsafe temperatures for too long before it heats through.
Can I cook vegetables with the pork?
Yes. Potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and onions can be added at the beginning. Cut root vegetables into evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of celery soup
- A homemade white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth
Why are my pork chops dry?
Common reasons include:
- Using very thin chops
- Cooking for too long
- Using an excessively high setting
- Choosing very lean pork with little marbling
Thicker chops cooked on LOW generally produce the best texture.
Summary
This slow cooker pork chop recipe combines seasoned pork, onions, garlic, and a creamy herb gravy into an easy, comforting meal. A quick optional sear adds extra flavor, while slow cooking keeps the meat tender. Finish with a cornstarch slurry for a silky gravy, then serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying family dinner.
