Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are juicy and tender, cooked slowly with creamy mushroom soup and onion. This hearty dish will make your kitchen smell amazing!
You just toss everything in the Crock Pot, and let it work its magic. I love serving it over mashed potatoes—it’s the ultimate cozy meal that feels like a warm hug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops give great flavor and tenderness, but boneless chops work too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try skinless chicken thighs instead. Just adjust cooking time accordingly!
Olive Oil: While I love using olive oil, you can swap it with vegetable oil or even butter for a richer taste. If you prefer a hint of flavor, avocado oil is a nice alternative as well.
Broth: Beef or pork broth adds depth. If you’re avoiding meat, vegetable broth can also do the trick, providing a subtle flavor without compromising taste.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a tremendous flavor booster. However, if you prefer, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade version using mushrooms, cream, and chicken stock.
Thyme: Dried thyme is perfect here, but if you have fresh thyme on hand, I recommend using it for a more vibrant flavor. You can also substitute it with oregano or Italian seasoning.
How Do I Get Perfectly Tender Pork Chops in the Crock Pot?
Getting tender pork chops in the slow cooker is simple if you follow a few key steps. First, searing the chops before adding them to the Crock Pot enhances flavor and creates a nice crust.
- Heat the oil in your skillet and ensure it’s hot before adding the pork. This will prevent sticking.
- After browning, avoid overcrowding the pan; do it in batches if needed for an even browning.
- Deglazing the pan with broth is crucial! It lifts all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom, adding flavor to your sauce.
Lastly, low and slow is the way to go! Keeping the heat low helps the meat tenderize beautifully over time. Remember, patience is key!
How to Make Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef or pork broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let the Crock Pot do its magic! It will cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, so it’s perfect for a busy day. Just set it and forget it, and enjoy a hearty meal later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks!
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear them on both sides until they are nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Then, remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to the Crock Pot.
3. Cooking the Onions and Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion. Cook it until it begins to soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant—this will give your sauce a lovely aroma!
4. Making the Sauce:
Pour in the broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet to get any tasty bits stuck to it. Then stir in the cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Combining the Sauce with the Pork Chops:
Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops in the Crock Pot, making sure they are well covered with the delicious sauce.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the pork chops to become tender and infused with all the savory flavors.
7. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you like your sauce a bit thicker, you can mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir until it thickens nicely.
8. Serving the Pork Chops:
Once they are done, serve the tender pork chops with the rich sauce spooned over them. If you want, add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor!
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they might cook faster than bone-in chops, so check for doneness after about 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use homemade cream soup made from butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms. Alternatively, cream of chicken soup or a dairy-free version work well too if you have dietary restrictions.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Can I Freeze This Dish for Later?
Absolutely! After cooking, let the pork chops cool, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
