Indulge in these juicy, fall-off-the-bone Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops enveloped in a rich and flavorful gravy. With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can create a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty, satisfying dish everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: Let your crock pot do all the work while you go about your day.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: Slow cooking transforms pork chops into a succulent, juicy main dish.
Rich, Savory Gravy: The combination of onion soup mix, pork gravy, and cream of chicken soup creates a decadent, savory sauce that’s pure comfort.
Family-Friendly: With familiar flavors and simple ingredients, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal tailored to your preferences.
Key Ingredients
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful during the slow cooking process.
Onion Soup Mix: This seasoning blend adds depth, umami, and a touch of oniony sweetness to the gravy.
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth ensures the gravy is flavorful without being overly salty.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This creamy base adds richness and a velvety texture to the gravy. Opt for low-sodium to better control the seasoning.
Pork Gravy Mix: Enhances the gravy with its savory, pork-forward flavor, complementing the meat perfectly.
Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder gives a subtle, aromatic undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy at the end, creating a luscious sauce to smother the pork chops.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
Combine Ingredients:
In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, whisk together:
1 packet onion soup mix
2 cups chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 packet pork gravy mix.
Ensure Smoothness:
Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free gravy mixture. This will be the base for infusing rich flavors into the pork chops.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Prepare the Pork Chops:
Use bone-in pork chops for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Season:
Sprinkle garlic powder lightly on both sides of each pork chop. This adds a subtle, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the gravy.
Step 3: Arrange the Pork Chops in the Slow Cooker
Layer the Chops:
Place the seasoned pork chops into the slow cooker.
Arrange them evenly, ensuring each chop is coated in the gravy mixture. This ensures uniform flavor absorption during cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork Chops
Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Set it to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours. This slow, gentle cooking method ensures the pork becomes tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry:
In a small bowl, whisk together:
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water.
Mix until smooth and lump-free.
Thicken the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before serving, pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker.
Gently stir to combine without breaking apart the tender pork chops.
Finish Cooking:
Switch the slow cooker to high heat and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tender pork chops hot, generously topped with the thickened gravy.
Pair with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttered noodles, for a complete, comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the thick, savory gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Balance the richness with steamed green beans, carrots, or broccoli.
Buttered Noodles: Serve the pork chops and gravy over egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Rice: Plain or flavored rice (like garlic butter rice) soaks up the gravy beautifully.
Crusty Bread: Use a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that delicious gravy.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the gravy if needed.
Freeze: Freeze the pork chops and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
Herbal Notes: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the crock pot for an herby twist.
Mushroom Gravy: Stir in sautéed mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra heartiness.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a subtle heat.
Boneless Option: Use boneless pork chops for convenience, though they may cook slightly faster.
Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
Conclusion
These Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are a comforting classic that never fails to impress. With tender meat, a rich gravy, and the ease of slow cooking, this recipe is a keeper for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike. Serve it with your favorite sides, and prepare to savor every bite of this satisfying dish!
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 oz onion soup mix packet
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup low sodium
- 1 oz dry pork gravy mix packet
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
- 3 tbsp cold water for slurry
Instructions
- In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, whisk together onion soup mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and pork gravy mix. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with garlic powder. Use bone-in pork chops for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Place the seasoned pork chops into the slow cooker. Ensure they are evenly coated in the gravy mixture for uniform flavor absorption.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.
- Whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Switch to HIGH and cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve the pork chops hot, generously topped with thickened gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal.