Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

The Juiciest Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe Ever Made

Hearty home cooks adore these mouthwatering crock pot smothered pork chops that promise pure comfort in every savory bite.

Slow cooking brings incredible tenderness to thick, juicy meat nestled in rich, creamy gravy.

Weeknight dinner challenges dissolve when simple ingredients combine with minimal prep work.

Layers of caramelized onions and velvety sauce create deep, complex flavors that feel like a warm culinary hug.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this foolproof recipe that turns ordinary pork chops into something spectacular.

Southern-style comfort beckons you to dust off that trusty slow cooker and transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Fall-apart meat and silky sauce await – you won’t be able to resist digging in.

What Makes These Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops So Easy

  • Minimal Prep Power: Toss ingredients in the Crock Pot and walk away while deliciousness develops without constant monitoring.
  • Family Dinner Champion: Delivers crowd-pleasing comfort food that satisfies everyone from kids to grandparents with creamy, hearty flavors.
  • Stress-Free Meal Solution: Transforms ordinary pork chops into tender, mouthwatering dinner without complicated techniques or fancy culinary skills.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients and transforms economical cuts of meat into a restaurant-quality meal that won't break the bank.

What You’ll Need for Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Protein:
  • Pork Chops: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the main star of this comforting dish.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: A blend of spices that enhances the natural flavor of the pork chops and adds depth to the overall taste.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Mushrooms: These create a delicious base that adds moisture and earthy flavor to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup, Chicken Broth: A creamy combination that provides a rich and velvety sauce to complement the pork chops.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright and fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note to the final dish.

How to Make Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops with Ease

Step 1: Season the Meat

Generously coat pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure both sides get an even layer of seasonings for maximum taste explosion.

Step 2: Optional Golden Sear

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior. This step builds incredible flavor depth.

Step 3: Create Flavor Foundation

Layer the bottom of your slow cooker with:
  • Sliced onions
  • Fresh mushrooms

These ingredients will create a mouthwatering base for your pork chops.

Step 4: Arrange the Protein

Gently place seared pork chops directly on top of the onion and mushroom layer. This allows all the delicious flavors to mingle and marry during cooking.

Step 5: Craft the Luxurious Sauce

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Chicken broth
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour this silky sauce completely over the pork chops, ensuring full coverage.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The meat will become incredibly tender and infused with rich flavors.

Step 7: Rest and Prepare

Carefully transfer pork chops to a serving platter. Stir the remaining sauce in the slow cooker to blend all the delicious ingredients.

Step 8: Plate and Dress

Serve pork chops over fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice. Generously spoon the creamy sauce on top for maximum comfort food satisfaction.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and bright flavor. Your incredible meal is ready to devour!

Slow Cooker Tips for Perfect Smothered Pork Chops

  • Select Thick-Cut Chops: Choose bone-in pork chops at least 1-inch thick to prevent drying out during slow cooking.
  • Layer Flavor Boosters: Add fresh garlic or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: If sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken.
  • Reduce Sodium Smartly: Use low-sodium cream soups and broth to manage salt intake without compromising flavor depth.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap cream soups with dairy-free alternatives like mushroom or chicken bone broth for gluten-free and lactose-free versions.

Fun Variations on Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

  • Low-Sodium Lean Option: Replace regular soups with low-sodium cream of mushroom and use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt content. Select lean, center-cut pork chops for healthier protein.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream soups with gluten-free versions and use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners. Verify all ingredient labels to ensure gluten-free compliance.
  • Dairy-Free Transformation: Swap cream-based soups with dairy-free mushroom or chicken alternatives. Use coconut milk or vegetable broth for added moisture and richness during cooking.
  • Mediterranean Herb Upgrade: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano into seasoning. Replace standard spices with Mediterranean herb blend and add kalamata olives for extra flavor complexity.

Side Dishes That Go Great with Smothered Pork Chops

  • Elevate Flavor Companions: Robust Red Wine Pairing – A full-bodied cabernet sauvignon complements the rich, creamy sauce and cuts through the pork's hearty texture, creating a luxurious dining experience.
  • Texture-Balancing Sides: Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Silky, whipped potatoes absorb the savory sauce perfectly, providing a smooth counterpoint to the tender pork chops and enhancing the overall meal's comfort food appeal.
  • Fresh Brightness Boost: Crisp Green Salad – A light, tangy salad with lemon vinaigrette brings refreshing acidity that cuts through the dish's richness, balancing the heavy cream-based sauce and adding nutritional contrast.

How to Store Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

  • Transfer cooled pork chops and sauce to an airtight container. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and completely sealed to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Prevent freezer burn by double-wrapping.
  • Place pork chops on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep meat moist. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring sauce between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs About Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

  • Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in pork chops work great and can add more flavor to the dish. Just ensure they are similar in thickness for even cooking.

  • What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of celery soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk to maintain the creamy texture.

  • Is it necessary to sear the pork chops before slow cooking?

No, searing is optional. While it adds extra flavor, you can skip this step and still have delicious pork chops. The slow cooking process will keep the meat tender and juicy.

  • Can I make this recipe with other meats?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken breasts or beef chuck roast. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat type and thickness.

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Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crock pot smothered pork chops bring Southern comfort to dinner tables with rich, hearty flavors that melt in your mouth. Savory onion gravy and tender meat promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Sauce and Vegetables:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (150 grams) onion, sliced
  • 1 cup (85 grams) mushrooms, sliced (fresh or canned)

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare pork chops by generously coating with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides for robust flavor profiles.
  2. Optional searing step: Heat skillet to medium-high and brown pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, developing rich caramelized exterior.
  3. Create aromatic base in slow cooker by layering sliced onions and mushrooms across bottom of cooking vessel.
  4. Carefully position seared pork chops atop vegetable foundation, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Craft sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth with subtle seasoning, creating smooth liquid mixture.
  6. Pour sauce comprehensively over pork chops, ensuring complete coverage and moisture retention.
  7. Set slow cooker to low temperature (6-8 hours) or high temperature (3-4 hours), allowing meat to tenderize and flavors to meld harmoniously.
  8. Once cooking cycle completes, gently extract pork chops and transfer to serving platter.
  9. Briefly stir remaining sauce to integrate ingredients and enhance consistency.
  10. Plate pork chops alongside preferred accompaniments like mashed potatoes or rice, drizzling sauce generously over protein.
  11. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for visual appeal and subtle herbaceous notes.

Notes

  • Select thicker, bone-in pork chops for more tender and juicy results that prevent drying out during slow cooking.
  • Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, Italian, or herb mixtures to create unique flavor profiles without changing cooking method.
  • Consider reducing sodium by using low-sodium soups and broth, which helps control salt intake while maintaining delicious taste.
  • Swap cream-based soups with dairy-free alternatives like mushroom or vegetable broth for gluten-free and lactose-intolerant friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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