Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

We all remember those tough pork chops from our childhood. You know, the ones that no amount of applesauce would ever make tender again. However, it is possible to make juicy and tender pork chops—and in your slow cooker, no less!

In this slow-cooker pork chops recipe, the chops are lightly seared before settling in for long braise in a Crockpot. A gravy made from the cooking juices is the perfect topping for these fork-tender chops. We promise it will be one of your favorite pork chop recipes.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

• Seasoned flour: A flour mixture seasoned with ground mustard, seasoned salt and garlic pepper is used to sear the meat. It gives the chops a deeper color and caramelized flavor and helps seal in moisture.
• Pork chops: When thinking about how to cook pork chops, you want to make sure you’re using the right cut. This recipe calls for boneless pork loin chops, but bone-in will work as well. Look for pork chops that are least 1-1/2 inches thick. Thinner pork chops are more likely to overcook.
• Chicken broth: Chicken broth provides moisture for the pork chops and lends a savory flavor to the gravy you’ll make with the remaining cooking juices.

Directions

Step 1: Make the seasoned flour

In a shallow bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, ground mustard, garlic pepper and seasoned salt. Add the pork chops, one at a time, and dredge to coat.

Step 2: Sear the pork chops

Heat the oil in a large skillet, and brown the chops on both sides. Browning the pork chops should take a couple minutes per side. You don’t want to fully cook them through; just brown them enough to seal in the flavor and juices.

Step 3: Slow-cook the pork chops

Transfer the pork chops to a 5-quart slow cooker, and pour the chicken broth over the chops. Cook, covered, on low for two to three hours, or until the meat is tender and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Editor’s Tip: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook the pork chops. Check the internal temperature of the chops after about an hour and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Step 4: Make the gravy

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Transfer the pork chops to a serving plate and keep them warm. Whisk the remaining flour into the cooking juices until smooth. Cook, covered, on high until the gravy is thickened. Serve it over the pork chops.

Recipe Variations

• Play with the seasonings: A dried herb mix such as Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence is an easy place to start when adjusting the seasonings in the flour mixture. Like things on the spicy side? Try adding a little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Garlic powder is another good option. You can also use a teaspoon of a packaged pork chop seasoning blend or make your own pork chop seasoning.
• Make them saucy: For a sweet and spicy variation, brush the pork chops with barbecue sauce before putting them into the slow cooker. Or, mix brown sugar, cider vinegar and a hint of spicy ground mustard to create a classic flavor combination that’s both sweet and sour. This sauce is also tasty on smoked kielbasa.
• Add vegetables: Slice an onion and place it on the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the pork chops. You can also add sauteed mushrooms or whole baby carrots to the slow cooker.
• Make Instant Pot pork chops: Need dinner in less than an hour? Try these Instant Pot pork chops instead.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

Pork chops should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for three to four days after cooking.

Can you freeze slow-cooker pork chops?

To freeze cooked pork chops, wrap each pork chop individually in heavy-duty foil and package in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat the pork chops, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then cook in a 350° oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the center of the pork chops registers 145°.

Slow-Cooker Pork Chops Tips

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Can you use frozen pork chops in the slow cooker?

It’s never safe to cook frozen meat in the slow cooker. As its name implies, a slow cooker takes a long time to reach its max cooking temperature (whether set to low or high), which means the meat can stay in the “danger zone” too long, potentially allowing for the growth of harmful bacteria. Always thaw your meat before cooking it in a slow cooker.

What can you do if the pork chops aren’t tender?

Pork chops are notoriously easy to overcook. Your best bet is to prevent this by checking the temperature and removing the pork chops from the slow cooker as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 145°. Once the pork chops are tough there really is no going back. You can always slice the meat and add it to ramen soup recipes or chop up the chops for baked pasta recipes or a pork and green chile casserole.

What can you serve with slow-cooker pork chops?

You can serve almost anything with easy pork chop recipes such as this. Slow-cooker pork chops pair with a variety of side dishes like mashed potatoes, a spicy applesauce or any green bean recipes. And don’t forget the dinner rolls to sop up any extra gravy!