Welcome to Your New Favorite Dinner: Crock Pot Pork Chops!
Hi there! If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy and delicious, then you’ve landed on the right recipe. Slow cooking pork chops is like giving them a warm hug; it makes them tender, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’s going to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day? Let’s dive right in!
The Amazing Benefits of Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Cooking pork chops in a crock pot not only makes them super tender but also infuses them with flavor from the sauce you use. The best part? You can set it and forget it. This means you can enjoy your day without worrying about dinner. Plus, using ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and ranch dressing mix creates a delicious, creamy sauce that is loaded with convenience—especially on those busy weeknights!
Adaptable Variations
- Swap It Out: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, feel free to use cream of chicken or even a homemade roux for a healthier option.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some baby carrots, sliced potatoes, or even broccoli during cooking for a one-pot dinner.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Herb It Up: Experiment with your favorite herbs! Thyme or rosemary could add an aromatic twist to the dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of the soup to keep it creamy without dairy.
Get Ready to Cook: Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Start by seasoning your pork chops on both sides with a sprinkle of salt and pepper — simple and effective!
- In a large skillet, heat about a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Get ready for some action! Sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This is optional, but it really helps to build flavor.
- Now let’s make the delicious sauce! In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, ranch dressing mix, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and sliced onion. Stir it all until it’s nicely blended.
- Pour a little bit of this sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will help prevent the chops from sticking!
- Carefully arrange the seared pork chops in the slow cooker, then drizzle the rest of your sauce over the top. Ensure they’re all well coated.
- Cover your cooker, set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, and let it work its magic. Your home will smell amazing!
- When they’re ready, gently take the pork chops out and if you want a thicker sauce, pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan and simmer on medium heat to reduce it a bit.
- Serve those lovely pork chops topped with your creamy sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for flair!
Practical Tips for Cooking Success
- If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step, but I promise it’s worth it for that extra flavor!
- Make sure not to overcook the pork chops; they should be nice and tender. Check with a meat thermometer that they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Leftover pork chops? Don’t worry! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Pair these pork chops with some rice, mashed potatoes, or fresh green veggies for a complete meal.
- Feeling creative? Add some grated cheese on top of the pork chops during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra flavor boost!
Equipment You’ll Need
To whip up this fantastic recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
- A good quality skillet for searing
- A slow cooker, which is the star of the show!
- A mixing bowl for the sauce
- A spatula for combining ingredients
- A meat thermometer to check doneness (optional but helpful!)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen pork chops? Yes, you can! Just add an hour or so to the cooking time if they’re frozen.
- What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix? No problem! You can mix your own using spices such as dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.
- Can I cook this on the stovetop? Absolutely! Simply simmer the chops in the sauce until they’re cooked through, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- How do I know when the pork chops are done? Check with a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F!
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Gently reheat chops in the microwave or on low heat in a skillet with some sauce to keep them moist.
Time to Dig In!
I hope you enjoy making these Crock Pot Pork Chops as much as I do! They’re a hit with my family, and I’m sure they will be with yours too. If you give this recipe a try, I would love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to keep an eye on my Pinterest page for more easy and delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
