The Ultimate Crock Pot Pork Chops with Savory Gravy: Effortless Comfort Food
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This incredibly easy recipe for Crock Pot Pork Chops delivers unbelievably tender, fall-off-the-bone pork chops smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for those busy days when you need a hearty, comforting dinner without the fuss, this slow cooker sensation promises a delicious meal that practically makes itself. Serve it generously over creamy mashed potatoes, and prepare for rave reviews!
Achieve Unrivaled Tenderness with Slow Cooker Pork Chops
There’s something magical about slow cooking, especially when it comes to creating the most tender pork chops imaginable. This recipe capitalizes on the “low and slow” method, transforming often-tough cuts into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Forget dry, chewy pork chops; these emerge from your crock pot swimming in a luscious gravy, ready to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights, requiring minimal hands-on prep time before the slow cooker takes over, infusing every bite with deep, comforting flavor. My family are huge pork chop enthusiasts, so I’m constantly experimenting with new preparations, and this particular slow cooker method has consistently topped our list of favorites. The gravy, especially, is a game-changer – rich, creamy, and wonderfully seasoned, it’s the perfect accompaniment to the tender pork. While the pork chops are simmering to perfection, you can easily whip up a batch of mashed potatoes (whether homemade or from a convenience pack, no judgment here!) to complete this wholesome and incredibly satisfying meal. The ease and delicious outcome of this dish make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
I cooked this recipe for the first time. It was the best pork chops, tender and delicious. I will definitely be cooking this again!
– Del
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pork Chops
While I personally find that bone-in pork chops impart a richer flavor and tend to stay more moist throughout the long cooking process, boneless pork chops can certainly be used. If you opt for boneless, I strongly recommend avoiding thin-cut chops, as they are more prone to drying out. Thicker-cut boneless chops will hold up better. Regardless of your choice, the slow cooking method ensures remarkable tenderness. Just be extra gentle when removing them from the slow cooker after they’re done, as the meat will be incredibly delicate; a wide spatula works best to scoop them out without them falling apart.
My absolute top recommendation for pairing with these flavorful pork chops and their creamy gravy is classic mashed potatoes. The velvety gravy perfectly coats the potatoes, creating a truly comforting experience. Other excellent starch options include fluffy white rice or hearty egg noodles, both of which soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. To round out the meal, consider adding some steamed vegetables like crisp broccoli florets or sweet carrots. And for a truly Southern-inspired touch, a side of warm Butter Swim Biscuits would be an incredible addition to sop up every last drop of that amazing gravy!
For optimal tenderness and flavor development, I do not recommend cooking these pork chops on a high setting. The magic of this recipe lies in the “low and slow” cooking method. While cooking on high might shorten the overall cook time, it often results in tougher, less succulent meat and can cause the gravy to separate or burn. Sticking to the low setting ensures that the pork chops slowly braise in the rich sauce, breaking down connective tissues and emerging incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling apart with a fork.
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile when it comes to the cream soup component. Feel free to use any cream soup your family prefers or whatever you have on hand. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, cream of onion, or even a cream of broccoli soup would all work wonderfully and contribute to the creamy, flavorful gravy. A combination of cream of mushroom and chicken soup is also a popular choice. Don’t hesitate to experiment to find your favorite flavor profile!
You can certainly add fresh cracked black pepper to the pork chops for an extra layer of flavor. However, I generally advise against adding additional salt directly to the pork chops. The various packaged ingredients used in this recipe, such as the onion soup mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup, already contain a significant amount of sodium. Adding more salt might make the dish overly salty. It’s always easier to add salt at the table if needed than to try and salvage an overly seasoned dish.
Yes, where applicable, you can definitely substitute fat-free or low-sodium versions of the ingredients. In fact, I often recommend using low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. As mentioned previously, the dry pork gravy mix and onion soup mix packets already contribute a fair amount of sodium to the dish. Opting for low-sodium versions of the other ingredients helps to control the overall saltiness, allowing you to season to taste at the end without risking an overpowering flavor.
Thickening the gravy with a cornstarch slurry is entirely optional, but it’s a step I highly recommend and personally never skip. While the gravy will naturally be flavorful after slow cooking, adding the cornstarch slurry creates a richer, more luscious texture that clings beautifully to the pork chops and any accompanying side dishes like mashed potatoes or rice. It transforms the sauce from a thin liquid into a truly decadent, restaurant-quality gravy, elevating the entire meal.
While you can use a round slow cooker, I find that this recipe yields more evenly cooked results when prepared in an oval-shaped slow cooker. The oval shape allows the pork chops to be spread out in a single layer or with minimal overlapping, ensuring that each chop is fully immersed in the gravy mixture and cooks uniformly. In a round slow cooker, chops might be more stacked, potentially leading to some cooking faster or less thoroughly than others.
To properly store any delicious leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator promptly. For the best quality and safety, plan to consume the leftovers within two days. I generally do not recommend freezing this particular recipe, as the texture of the gravy and pork chops can sometimes change upon thawing, becoming less appealing. Enjoy them fresh!
Essential Ingredients for Tender Crock Pot Pork Chops
Crafting these perfectly tender slow cooker pork chops requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that build layers of savory flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:
- Bone-in Pork Chops: While boneless chops can work, I wholeheartedly recommend bone-in pork chops for this recipe. The bone adds a significant depth of flavor to the gravy as it cooks slowly, and it also helps the chops retain moisture, preventing them from drying out. Plus, bone-in cuts are often a more economical choice, making this a budget-friendly gourmet meal.
- Garlic Powder: A simple yet powerful seasoning, garlic powder provides a foundational savory note to the pork chops. I typically stick to just garlic powder and a dash of black pepper for seasoning the meat itself, as many of the other gravy ingredients are already seasoned. Avoid adding salt directly to the chops, or be very mindful if using a pre-made seasoning blend, as most contain salt.
- Onion Soup Mix: This secret weapon is fantastic for imparting a rich, savory, and slightly umami flavor to the gravy. It also contributes to the beautiful color and thickness. If you or your family aren’t keen on the flavor of onion soup mix, you can easily omit it and instead season the gravy mixture with a teaspoon or two of onion powder for a milder onion essence.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for our sumptuous gravy. I highly advise using a low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth. This gives you greater control over the overall salt content of the dish, especially since other ingredients like the soup mixes already contain sodium. You can always add salt to taste at the end, but you can’t take it away once it’s in.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This canned soup is a classic slow cooker ingredient, forming the creamy, comforting backbone of the gravy. Similar to the chicken broth, opting for a low-sodium or no-sodium cream of chicken soup is a smart move if you’re conscious about salt intake or prefer to adjust seasoning yourself.
- Dry Pork Gravy Mix: This is a standout ingredient that truly elevates this recipe above many other crock pot pork chop dishes. While the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth contribute a “chicken” flavor, the dry pork gravy mix specifically amps up the rich, savory “pork” notes, creating a more cohesive and authentic pork chop experience. It ensures the gravy is unmistakably designed for pork.
- Cornstarch and Water (for slurry): This simple mixture is used at the end of the cooking process to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency. It creates a smooth, glossy, and luxurious sauce that perfectly clings to the tender pork chops. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can certainly skip this step, but for a truly comforting experience, thickening is recommended.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Crock Pot Pork Chops
Making these tender pork chops in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a busy schedule. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious and satisfying meal:
First, gather all your ingredients. In a 5-6 quart slow cooker (an oval shape is often best for even cooking), combine the onion soup mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and dry pork gravy mix. Take a whisk and blend these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. Don’t stress too much if there are a few small lumps at this stage; they will dissolve and disappear as the mixture cooks down over several hours, resulting in a perfectly smooth gravy.
Next, it’s time to prepare your pork chops. Lightly season both sides of each bone-in pork chop with garlic powder. Remember, there’s usually enough salt in the other ingredients, so you can skip adding extra salt here, but a touch of black pepper is always welcome. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the slow cooker, doing your best to arrange them in a single layer or spread them out as much as possible. This ensures they cook evenly and are fully immersed in the flavorful gravy mixture. Ensure they are well covered by the liquid.
Once the pork chops are nestled in the gravy, cover your slow cooker with its lid. Set the cooker to the LOW setting and allow it to cook undisturbed for approximately 4-6 hours. The “low and slow” method is crucial for achieving that signature fork-tender texture. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as it can release heat and extend the cooking process. The longer, gentler cooking will ensure your pork chops are incredibly moist and flavorful.
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, it’s time to thicken that incredible gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and an equal amount of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry. This is your thickening agent. Once combined, gently pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with your pork chops and gravy. Stir carefully to incorporate it without breaking apart the now very tender meat.
After adding the slurry, re-cover the slow cooker and increase the heat setting to HIGH. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gravy has visibly thickened to your desired consistency. The heat change helps activate the cornstarch, transforming the sauce into a rich, luscious gravy. Once it’s perfectly thick and bubbly, your Crock Pot Pork Chops are ready to be served. Ladle generously over creamy mashed potatoes, and savor every bite!
Craving More Comfort Food? Explore These Delicious Recipes!
- Crock Pot Pork Chops & Potatoes For Two
- Pan-Fried Pork Chops
- Baked Pork Chops and Rice
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy
- Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Crock Pot Crack Chicken
- Crock Pot Cubed Steak & Gravy
- Crispy Baked Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Crock Pot Creamy Ranch Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Shake and Bake Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
- Baked Pork Tenderloin
- Stick of Butter Rice
- 10 Crock Pot Mississippi Recipes
Originally published: January 2011
Updated photos & Republished: May 2025
Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe
This easy recipe for Crock Pot Pork Chops with Gravy is so delicious! The pork chops come out so tender and are topped with a creamy gravy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 ounce packet onion soup mix
- 14 ounce can low sodium chicken broth
- 10.5 ounce can low sodium cream of chicken soup
- 1 ounce packet dry pork gravy mix
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or more, to taste)
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In a 5-6 quart oval slow cooker, combine the onion soup mix, low sodium chicken broth, low sodium cream of chicken soup, and dry pork gravy mix. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.
- Season both sides of the bone-in pork chops with garlic powder. Place the pork chops into the slow cooker, spreading them out as much as possible to ensure they are covered by the gravy mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 4-6 hours, until pork chops are fall-apart tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker with the pork chops and gravy, stirring gently to combine.
- Re-cover the slow cooker, switch the setting to HIGH, and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Serve hot with mashed potatoes and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is a “fix-it and forget it” type of slow cooker meal. If you have a digital slow cooker, utilize its timer and keep-warm settings for maximum convenience.
- Bone-in pork chops are recommended for enhanced flavor and moisture retention, but thick-cut boneless chops can be used. Avoid thin-cut chops. The cooked pork will be very tender, so use a spatula for careful removal.
- Excellent serving suggestions include mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or mixed vegetables.
Recipe Details
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 2180mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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