Slow-Cooker Pork Chops (So Tender and Juicy!)

Forget everything you think you know about dry, tough pork chops. These Slow-Cooker Pork Chops are a game-changer, delivering incredibly tender, fall-apart meat simmered in a rich, savory gravy. This is the ultimate comfort food meal that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable dinner that the whole family will love, you’ve found it.

We’ve all been there: hoping for a juicy pork chop, only to be met with a disappointing, chewy result. The slow cooker is the perfect tool to transform this humble cut into something truly special. The low and slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissues, ensuring a moist and succulent result every single time.

Why This is the Only Slow-Cooker Pork Chop Recipe You’ll Ever Need

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a foolproof method for perfect pork. What makes it stand out is its simplicity and its focus on building deep, savory flavor from the very start. We use common pantry staples to create a delicious gravy that does all the work for you, gently cooking the pork until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Choosing the Right Pork Chops for Your Slow Cooker

For the best results with crock pot pork chops, the cut matters. I highly recommend using thick-cut, bone-in pork chops, at least 1-inch thick. The bone adds a significant amount of flavor and moisture during the long cooking process, acting as a safeguard against dryness. Boneless pork chops will also work, but try to find the thickest ones available to ensure they stay tender.

The Secret to Flavorful, Juicy Pork: Don’t Skip the Sear!

While you can put raw pork directly into the slow cooker, taking just five extra minutes to sear the pork chops first makes a world of difference. Searing the chops in a hot skillet creates a deep brown crust through the Maillard reaction, which translates to a huge boost in flavor. This simple step locks in the juices and builds the foundation for a much richer, more complex gravy. It’s the secret that elevates good slow-cooker pork chops to great ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pork Chops: 4 thick-cut, bone-in pork chops (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick).
• Olive Oil: For searing the pork chops.
• Yellow Onion: Sliced, to create an aromatic base.
• Garlic: Minced, for that essential savory flavor.
• Chicken Broth: The primary liquid for the gravy.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami.
• Dried Herbs: A simple mix of thyme, rosemary, and paprika for a classic flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the gravy at the end.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

How to Make Perfect Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

1. Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. You may need to do this in batches. Transfer the seared chops to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Slow Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the pork is tender.
6. Thicken the Gravy: Carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and set them aside. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, cover, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
7. Serve: Return the pork chops to the thickened gravy or serve them on a platter with the gravy spooned over the top.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcook: Pork is lean, and even in a slow cooker, it can dry out if cooked for too long. Start checking for tenderness at the 4-hour mark on low.
• Thick is Best: Avoid thin-cut pork chops, as they are much more likely to become tough and dry during the long cooking time.

What to Serve with Your Pork Chops

These savory pork chops and their rich gravy are perfect for pairing with classic comfort sides. Serve them over a bed of creamy fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of the delicious gravy. Freshly baked dinner rolls are also a must for dipping. For a green vegetable, simple steamed green beans or roasted broccoli complete the meal perfectly.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover pork chops and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pork and gravy in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the stovetop method helps them retain their moisture better.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved the ease and flavor of these slow-cooker pork chops, you’re sure to enjoy our French Onion Pot Roast or our incredibly popular Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. We hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite! If you make it, we’d love for you to leave a comment below and share it on Pinterest!

Slow-Cooker Pork Chops Recipe

Slow-Cooker Pork Chops (So Tender and Juicy!)

The most tender and juicy Slow-Cooker Pork Chops! This easy recipe features a rich, savory gravy and results in perfectly cooked, fall-apart pork every time. A perfect set-it-and-forget-it comfort food dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups chicken broth low sodium
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker 6-quart or larger recommended
• 1 Large Skillet

Instructions

 

1. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. You may need to do this in batches. Transfer the seared chops to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the pork is tender.
6. Carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and set them aside. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, cover, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
7. Return the pork chops to the thickened gravy or serve them on a platter with the gravy spooned over the top.

Notes

Tip 1: For the most tender results, use thick-cut, bone-in pork chops.
Tip 2: Don't skip the searing step! It adds a huge amount of flavor to the final dish.
Tip 3: All slow cookers vary. Start checking your pork chops for doneness at the lower end of the cook time to avoid overcooking.