Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are the quintessential comfort food, a dish that transforms simple, economical pork chops into a tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort. This recipe masterfully uses the slow cooker to create a rich, savory gravy that not only cooks the pork chops to fall-apart perfection but also serves as a luxurious sauce that smothers every bite. The gravy is a powerhouse of flavor from the very beginning, built on a foundation of cream of chicken soup, onion soup mix, and dry pork gravy mix, which together create a complex, umami-rich base with no need for tedious sautéing or roux-making. The bone-in pork chops, seasoned simply with garlic powder, slowly braise in this mixture for hours, allowing the connective tissue to break down and the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy, while simultaneously infusing the gravy with their own savory essence.
The true brilliance of this dish lies in its effortless path to a result that tastes like it simmered on the stove all day. The final step of thickening the gravy with a cornstarch slurry elevates the dish from a simple braise to an elegant, restaurant-quality presentation, creating a velvety, clingy sauce that is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. This method ensures the pork chops remain the star, never tough or dry, but instead fork-tender and permeated with the flavors of onion, garlic, and herbs from the gravy. Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are a reliable, family-pleasing classic that delivers the warm, homestyle comfort of a grandmother’s kitchen with the straightforward convenience of modern, set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Tender pork chops swimming in a rich, savory gravy is the very definition of a hearty, comforting meal.
- Effortless Elegance: The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that tastes complex and deeply developed.
- Foolproof Tenderness: The slow, moist cooking environment guarantees juicy, fall-off-the-bone pork chops every single time, eliminating the risk of drying them out.
- Perfect Gravy Every Time: The combination of soup mixes and a final slurry creates a perfectly seasoned, lump-free gravy that requires no guesswork.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry pork gravy mix
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup, low sodium
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Create the Gravy Base
In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, whisk together the dry onion soup mix, dry pork gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with the garlic powder.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Nestle the seasoned pork chops into the gravy base in the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Spoon a little of the sauce over the top of each chop.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. The pork chops are done when they are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, prepare the slurry. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until completely smooth. Remove the lid from the slow cooker and stir the slurry into the gravy. Switch the setting to HIGH, re-cover, and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pork chops hot, generously smothered with the thickened gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This dish is perfect served over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up every bit of the delicious gravy.
Tips:
- Bone-In for Best Results: Bone-in pork chops are highly recommended as the bone adds immense flavor and helps the meat stay juicier and more tender during the long cooking process.
- Avoid Overcooking: While the slow cooker is forgiving, pork chops can become too tender and start to disintegrate if cooked for an excessively long time. The 4-6 hour window on low is ideal for 1-inch thick chops.
- Don’t Skip the Slurry: The cornstarch slurry is essential for transforming the thin braising liquid into a luxurious, spoon-coating gravy. Be sure to use cold water to prevent lumps.
- Brown for Extra Flavor (Optional): For a deeper flavor and more appealing color, quickly sear the seasoned pork chops in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2-3 minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy will thicken considerably when cold.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy to its original consistency.
- Freezing: This dish freezes quite well. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
