Crock-Pot Pork Chops

Try these Crock-Pot Pork Chops when you want juicy, tender meat with minimal effort.

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Pork chops can sometimes be a disappointing dinner. Tough, dry, and flavorless are some of the most common complaints people have when chewing on this cut of meat. Unlike chicken thighs or ground beef, pork chops need more seasoning and the right cooking method in order to make them irresistible.

If you’ve been putting off pork chops because of their bland reputation, then this Crock-Pot recipe might change your mind. By slow-cooking the chops in creamy mushroom soup, you’ll not only get terrifically tender meat, but it will also have a burst of rich flavor from the savory sauce.

Plus, since this is a Crock-Pot recipe, you don’t have to do much to get this dinner on the table. Even on the busiest of days, it only takes a few minutes to add all your ingredients to the pot and let it work its magic. So, if you’ve got picky eaters at home, try this Crock-Pot dinner. After sampling this delicious recipe, it’s highly likely you’ll be making pork chops more often!

Are Crock-Pot Pork Chops Healthy?

Although pork chops are considered lean meat, it may be a stretch to call this recipe “healthy.” Because of the added salt in chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup, it may not be suitable for those on a low-sodium diet. Cream of mushroom soup is not suitable for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant either.

There are, however, ways to customize this Crock-Pot pork chops recipe to make it healthier. For instance, you could use homemade chicken broth or look for brands with less sodium. You can also use a dairy-free variety of cream of mushroom soup or make your own. Replacing the soup with cashew cream or coconut cream is also an option, but you may need to add more seasonings. And those concerned about fat should use the leanest pork chops available.

Do pork chops get tough in the crock-Pot?

Besides convenience, one of the beauties of cooking in a Crock-Pot is that it makes meat extra tender and juicy. The slow and steady heat works wonderfully for tenderizing your pork chops, especially if you’ve already tenderized your meat with a bit of salt. The only way cooking in a Crock-Pot won’t make your pork chops extra tender is if you accidentally overcook your meat. Overcooking can dry out your pork chops and make them challenging to chew, which is not what you want! Aside from keeping an eye on the cooking time, you also need to keep tabs on the internal temperature of this meat. The safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F.

INGREDIENTS

4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cream of mushroom soup

INSTRUCTIONS

Season
Prepare and season pork chops.

Brown
Sear pork chops in skillet.

Cook
Slow cook in Crock-Pot until tender.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

With a 6-hour cook time, these Crock-Pot chops are ideal for preparing ahead of your planned mealtime. Once cooked, allow leftovers to cool and transfer them to an airtight container. They should be eaten within 4 days. Note that leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. The pork chops can also be frozen for up to 4 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw them the night before and heat them up for 15-20 minutes (depending on their size) in a 350°F oven.

Why Should I sear pork chops before putting them in the crock-pot?

You don’t need to sear your pork chops in advance. However, this extra step is recommended since it adds a delicious depth of flavor, thanks to the caramelization. Plus, seared pork chops do a better job at retaining moisture, meaning there’s a higher chance these chops will be extra juicy when it’s time to eat them.

Is it better to cook pork chops on low or high?

It’s better to set your Crock-Pot to low and cook the pork chops for 6 hours (as specified in this recipe). This allows the connective tissues to slowly break down, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook them on high for 3 to 4 hours, but this may lead to slightly tougher pork chops, as the faster cooking method doesn’t give the meat as much time to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Since this Crock-Pot pork chop recipe calls for creamy mushroom soup, it’s ideal to serve it with something that can sop up that sauce. Sides like mashed potatoes or Steamed Rice are probably the most classic sides, but you could also try Mashed Cauliflower or Brown Rice to get some extra fiber. Quinoa is another great idea to add a nutritional boost to your meal.

It’s also easy to pair any veggie with your pork chops. A few options that come to mind include Garlic Brussels Sprouts, Steamed Broccoli, and Keto Creamed Spinach. Finally, if you’re looking for something a little more hearty, bake some Air Fryer Biscuits or Easy Cornbread and serve them alongside this lip-smacking meal.

Recipe