Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you my favorite recipe for tender and flavorful Crock Pot Pork Chops. This dish is a staple in my household, and it always leaves everyone asking for seconds. Cooking pork chops in a crock pot is a game-changer – the slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender and infuses it with delicious flavors. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make these mouthwatering pork chops!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, once you try these Crock Pot Pork Chops, you’ll be hooked. I make this dish when I want a hearty and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The convenience of using a crock pot means I can set it and forget it, allowing me to focus on other things while the pork chops cook to perfection. My family goes crazy for this recipe because the pork chops turn out incredibly tender and juicy, and the flavors are simply irresistible. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute the dried thyme with 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary or oregano. Feel free to experiment and find the flavor combination that you love!
Directions
1. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden crust. This step will add extra flavor to the dish.
3. Transfer the seared pork chops to the crock pot and top them with the sliced onions and minced garlic.
4. In a bowl, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, dried thyme, and paprika. Pour this mixture over the pork chops in the crock pot.
5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat will result in even more tender pork chops.
6. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork chops from the crock pot and transfer them to a serving dish. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. If desired, you can thicken the sauce in the crock pot by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this mixture to the sauce in the crock pot and cook on high heat for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve the pork chops with the delicious onion and garlic sauce spooned over the top. They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies.
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered that using bone-in pork chops adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist during the slow cooking process. However, if you prefer boneless pork chops, you can absolutely use them in this recipe.
Variations
I love experimenting with different flavors, and here are a couple of variations I’ve tried:
1. Instead of soy sauce, you can use Worcestershire sauce for a slightly tangier taste.
2. For a touch of sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce mixture.
3. If you prefer spicier pork chops, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on the pork chops before searing them.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Equipment
The essential equipment you’ll need for this recipe is a crock pot or slow cooker. However, if you don’t have one, you can still make these delicious pork chops by using a Dutch oven or a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simply cook them on low heat on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for the same amount of time.
Storage
Although these Crock Pot Pork Chops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, I must confess that in my house, they never last more than a day! The flavors are so amazing that they tend to disappear quickly.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these tender and flavorful pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. The combination of the savory pork chops and the creamy potatoes is simply heavenly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or with a side of roasted vegetables.
Pro Tips
1. Don’t skip the step of searing the pork chops before adding them to the crock pot. It adds a beautiful caramelized crust and enhances the overall flavor.
2. If you’re short on time, you can sear the pork chops the night before and refrigerate them. In the morning, simply transfer them to the crock pot, add the remaining ingredients, and let them cook all day.
3. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can omit them from the recipe. However, I highly recommend keeping them as they add a delicious sweetness to the dish.
FAQ
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
A: Absolutely! While I personally prefer bone-in pork chops for added flavor, boneless pork chops will work just fine in this recipe.
Q: Can I use frozen pork chops?
A: Yes, you can use frozen pork chops in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Add 1-2 hours if cooking on low heat or 30 minutes to 1 hour if cooking on high heat.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Simply increase the ingredients accordingly and adjust the cooking time if needed.
Alright, now you have all the knowledge to make these incredible Crock Pot Pork Chops. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back to any other method of cooking pork chops. Enjoy!
Crock Pot Pork Chops – Tender and Flavorful Recipe
Experience tender and flavorful pork chops cooked slowly in a crock pot, infused with delicious flavors and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. This simple yet irresistible recipe is perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Sear the pork chops in a skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side.
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Transfer pork chops to the crock pot, add onions and garlic on top.
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Mix chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, dried thyme, and paprika in a bowl. Pour over pork chops in the crock pot.
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Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
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Remove pork chops from crock pot and let them rest before serving.
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Optional: Thicken the sauce in the crock pot with cornstarch mixture if desired.
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Serve pork chops with onion and garlic sauce on top.