Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
If youâre looking for a comforting and easy-to-make meal, these Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are the perfect choice.
The rich and flavorful gravy, combined with tender bone-in pork chops, creates a satisfying dish thatâs ideal for busy weeknights or a weekend family dinner.
The best part? Itâs all cooked in a Crock Pot, which means minimal preparation and clean-up! With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty and mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops
1 oz packet onion soup mix
1 14 oz can chicken broth, low sodium
1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup, low sodium
1 oz packet dry pork gravy mix
1 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp cold water
Instructions
Start by seasoning the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any extra seasonings you enjoy.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly sear the pork chops on both sides until browned, around 2-3 minutes per side. Once seared, transfer the pork chops to the Crock Pot.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the onion soup mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, pork gravy mix, and garlic powder.
Stir until everything is well combined. Pour this mixture over the pork chops in the Crock Pot.
Cover the Crock Pot with a lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork chops should be tender and fully cooked through when done.
Once the pork chops are finished, itâs time to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
Pour the slurry into the Crock Pot, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to loosen it up.
After the gravy has thickened, serve the smothered pork chops immediately. Theyâre delicious paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
For an extra touch, you can garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the rich, creamy dish.
How to Make
To start, prepare your pork chops by seasoning them with a little salt and pepper. This enhances the natural flavors of the pork, giving it a nice base for the rich gravy.
After seasoning, sear the pork chops in a hot skillet to give them a little crispy texture on the outside. This adds depth of flavor and helps lock in moisture during the slow cooking process.
Next, the gravy ingredients are mixed together to form a creamy sauce that will envelope the pork chops in the Crock Pot.
The combination of the onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, and pork gravy mix creates a savory.
hearty gravy that perfectly complements the pork chops. Simply pour the mixture over the pork chops and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Cooking on low for 6-8 hours will allow the pork chops to become incredibly tender, absorbing the flavors of the gravy and becoming fall-off-the-bone delicious.
Alternatively, cooking on high for 3-4 hours is a quicker option that still results in a flavorful meal.
Once the pork chops are done, itâs time to thicken the gravy. The cornstarch slurry will create a smooth.
creamy consistency, making the gravy rich and velvety. Stir it in gradually to avoid lumps, and soon youâll have a thickened gravy ready to serve.
Serve these smothered pork chops on a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. The gravy is perfect for spooning over the pork chops, and it makes everything taste even better.
If you like a little crunch in your meal, you can consider adding crispy fried onions on top for some texture. Itâs a fun twist that adds an extra layer of flavor to this already tasty dish.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, try swapping the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup to add a different flavor to the gravy.
The earthy taste of mushrooms pairs wonderfully with pork and adds a new depth of flavor to the dish.
For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy mixture.
The spice will balance out the creaminess of the sauce, giving it an extra kick thatâs sure to be a hit.
Another variation is to use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in ones. While bone-in chops have more flavor.
boneless pork chops can cook faster and are easier to serve for smaller portions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you make this substitution.
You can also add vegetables to the Crock Pot for a one-pot meal. Carrots, potatoes, and onions all work well in this dish.
Simply add them around the pork chops and let them cook in the gravy. They will absorb all the flavors from the sauce, making them tender and flavorful.
If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can replace the cream of chicken soup with a lighter alternative.
Such as fat-free cream of mushroom soup or a homemade lighter version. This can help cut down on some of the richness while still maintaining great flavor.
For a smoky twist, try adding some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the gravy.
The smoky flavor will give the dish a barbecue-like taste, making it an interesting variation of traditional smothered pork chops.
Lastly, try adding fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the gravy mixture. These herbs bring an aromatic element to the dish, complementing the rich gravy and pork perfectly.
Tips
Be sure to sear the pork chops before adding them to the Crock Pot. This step not only helps lock in flavor but also gives.
the pork chops a nice crispy exterior. Itâs worth the extra few minutes to ensure your dish has great texture.
If you have the time, marinate the pork chops before cooking them. You can use a simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs.
Marinating overnight will make the pork even more tender and flavorful when cooked in the Crock Pot.
If youâre in a hurry and donât have time to sear the pork chops, you can skip this step. However, keep in mind that
the texture of the pork chops wonât be as crispy, though the flavor will still be delicious.
For a thicker gravy, make sure to use the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to your liking.
If you find the gravy is too thin, you can always add a little more cornstarch mixed with cold water.
If youâre preparing this dish in advance, you can freeze the pork chops and gravy mixture before cooking.
Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then cook it in the Crock Pot as you normally would.
For an even richer gravy, use heavy cream instead of the cream of chicken soup. It will make the gravy extra creamy and indulgent, perfect for those who love rich flavors.
Always check the pork chops for doneness before serving. They should reach an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Conclusion
These Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are a simple yet delicious meal that will quickly become a favorite.
With tender pork chops, savory gravy, and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for any night of the week.
By using your Crock Pot, you can enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Itâs a great option for busy families or anyone looking for a hearty and easy dinner.