Juicy crockpot pork chops: 4 simple steps

Oh, friends, let me tell you about these crockpot pork chops. If you’re anything like me, you love a meal that tastes like you slaved over it all day, but really, it just took a few minutes of your time. That’s exactly what these are! Growing up in my grandma’s kitchen, I learned that truly good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about simple ingredients, a little patience, and letting the cooking do the work for you. These slow cooker pork chops are the perfect example – they come out unbelievably tender and juicy, swimming in a savory sauce that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, this recipe is going to become your go-to for an easy, delicious dinner.

Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Pork Chops

Seriously, these are a lifesaver!

• They come out so incredibly tender and juicy, you won’t believe it.
• You can get them ready in just a few hours with almost no effort.
• They’re the perfect cozy, family-friendly meal for any busy weeknight.
• That savory sauce? Oh, it’s pure comfort food magic!

Essential Ingredients for Delicious Crockpot Pork Chops

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need for these amazing crockpot pork chops. It’s a pretty short list, which is part of why I love them so much! First up, you’ll want about 1.5 pounds of boneless pork chops. I usually go for chops that are around an inch thick – they seem to cook up just right. Then, you’ll need one can, that’s a 10.5 ounce can, of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Don’t skip this, it’s the base of our super yummy sauce! We’ll also grab one cup of chicken broth. Regular chicken broth is perfect, no need for anything fancy here. And for a little aromatic goodness, we’ll use one large onion, just sliced thinly. Finally, a little garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. That’s it! Simple, right?

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions for Crockpot Pork Chops

Now, a few little notes on these ingredients to make sure you get the best results. For the pork chops, boneless is easiest, but bone-in will work too – just know they might take a little longer to cook. If you can’t find cream of mushroom soup, honestly, cream of chicken soup works like a charm too! Some folks even like cream of celery if that’s what they have on hand. As for the chicken broth, you could use vegetable broth if that’s all you’ve got in the pantry. And if you’re not a fan of onions, you can always leave them out, but they do add a lovely subtle sweetness as they cook down. The garlic powder is pretty straightforward, but if you have fresh garlic, about 2 cloves minced would be fantastic too!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Pork Chops

Alright, getting these crockpot pork chops ready is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner! First things first, grab your slow cooker. We’re going to lay down a nice bed of sliced onions right at the bottom. This helps keep the pork chops from sticking and adds a wonderful subtle sweetness as everything cooks.

Next, let’s get those pork chops seasoned up. Just a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides – don’t be shy! Then, carefully arrange them right on top of those onions in the crockpot.

Now, for the magic sauce! In a separate bowl, mix together that can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, the chicken broth, and the garlic powder. Give it a good stir until it’s all combined and smooth. Pour this creamy mixture all over the pork chops, making sure they’re nicely coated.

Once everything is in, just pop the lid on nice and snug. You have two options for cooking: you can cook them on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. Low and slow is usually my favorite because it guarantees super tender results, but either way works!

When they’re done, the pork chops should be fork-tender and just falling apart. Serve them hot right out of the crockpot!

Tips for Achieving Extra Juicy Crockpot Pork Chops

Want to make these pork chops even *more* melt-in-your-mouth tender? Here’s my little secret: give those pork chops a quick sear in a hot skillet with a little oil before they go into the crockpot. Just a minute or two on each side until they’re golden brown. It really seals in the juices and adds an extra layer of flavor. Also, make sure you don’t overcrowd the crockpot; give them a little breathing room!

Making Crockpot Pork Chops with Gravy

Oh, and that sauce? It’s already delicious, but if you want a thicker, richer gravy, I’ve got you. Once the pork chops are cooked and you’ve taken them out, you can whisk a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir that into the liquid left in the crockpot, turn the heat to high, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up beautifully into a lovely gravy. So good!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Pork Chops

Got questions about these amazing crockpot pork chops? I’ve got answers! It’s so common to wonder about cooking times or substitutions, and I’m happy to help.

Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops? Absolutely! Bone-in chops work just fine, but they might need a little extra cooking time, maybe an hour or so longer on low. Just make sure they’re fork-tender.

Q: How do I know when my pork chops are done? The best way is the fork test! They should be really tender and easy to pull apart with a fork. If you have a meat thermometer, you’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Q: Can I make this a healthier crockpot pork chop recipe? You sure can! You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for a lighter version or even a plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little broth and seasoning for a creamier, lighter sauce. Also, make sure to trim any visible fat off the pork chops before cooking.

Q: What’s the best way to serve these crockpot pork chops for dinner? Oh, the possibilities! They’re fantastic served over fluffy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans are also a great addition!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Crockpot Pork Chops

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they store beautifully. Just let them cool a bit, then pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or pop them in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through. They stay surprisingly moist!

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Crockpot Pork Chops

These crockpot pork chops are so versatile, they practically beg to be paired with something yummy! My absolute favorite way to serve them is spooned over a big scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. That savory sauce just soaks right in, and it’s pure comfort food heaven. Rice is another fantastic option if you’re looking for something lighter. And don’t forget your veggies! A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or even a simple garden salad with a bright vinaigrette really rounds out the meal. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed for Perfect Crockpot Pork Chops

You really don’t need much for these easy crockpot pork chops! The star, of course, is your trusty slow cooker. You’ll also want a good old measuring cup for that chicken broth and a bowl for mixing up the sauce. Oh, and a spoon for stirring and tasting! A sharp knife for slicing the onion and maybe a skillet if you decide to sear the chops beforehand will come in handy too.

Understanding the Nutrition in Your Crockpot Pork Chops

Now, let’s chat a little about the nutrition in these wonderful crockpot pork chops. Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, and they can change a bit depending on the brands you use and how much sauce you ladle over everything. Typically, a serving of these pork chops comes in around 350 calories. You’ll get about 35 grams of protein, which is fantastic for keeping you full and satisfied! There’s roughly 18 grams of fat, with about 6 grams of that being saturated fat. They’re also pretty low in carbs, with only about 10 grams. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s pretty balanced for a comfort food classic!

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