JUICY SLOW COOKER PERFECTION

I still remember the first time I tried making pork chops in the slow cooker. I was a busy college student, desperate for a home-cooked meal that didn’t require constant attention. The first attempt was… less than stellar – dry, tough, and honestly, a bit disappointing. But I was determined to conquer the elusive Juicy Slow Cooker Pork Chop! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing, melt-in-your-mouth pork chops you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Guide to Juicy Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Let’s face it, pork chops can be tricky. They’re lean, and if you’re not careful, they can quickly turn into dry, chewy hockey pucks. But fear not! The slow cooker is your secret weapon. With the right technique and a little love, you can transform humble pork chops into a succulent, flavorful masterpiece. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a foolproof method for achieving pork chop perfection every single time. We’re going to dive deep into the process, ensuring you understand why each step is important, so you can adapt and customize this recipe to your liking.

Why Slow Cooker Pork Chops are a Game Changer

The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it gently braises the pork chops over low heat, allowing the connective tissue to break down, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. The low and slow cooking method also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply impossible to achieve with other cooking methods. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can prep everything in the morning, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. Talk about a win-win!

Choosing the Right Pork Chops

First things first, let’s talk about the pork chops themselves. The type of pork chop you choose will significantly impact the final result. Here’s a breakdown:

• Bone-in Pork Chops: These are my personal favorite for slow cooking. The bone adds flavor and helps to keep the meat moist. Look for center-cut or rib chops.
• Boneless Pork Chops: These are a convenient option, but they tend to dry out more easily. If using boneless chops, opt for thicker cuts to help retain moisture.
• Thick-Cut Pork Chops: Regardless of whether they’re bone-in or boneless, thick-cut chops are always a good choice. They have more surface area for searing (which we’ll talk about later) and are less likely to overcook. Aim for chops that are at least 1 inch thick.

Avoid thin, pre-packaged pork chops if possible. They’re often dry and lack flavor. Spend a little extra time selecting good-quality chops, and you’ll be rewarded with a much more delicious meal.

The Magic of the Sear

Okay, here’s a little secret that will take your slow cooker pork chops to the next level: searing! I know, it might seem counterintuitive to sear something before putting it in the slow cooker, but trust me on this. Searing the pork chops before slow cooking creates a beautiful crust that seals in the juices and adds a ton of flavor. It’s all about the Maillard reaction, which is the chemical reaction that occurs when amino acids and reducing sugars are heated, resulting in browning and complex flavors.

To sear the pork chops, heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is nice and hot before adding the chops. Season the chops generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re nicely browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear the chops in batches if necessary.

Building Flavor in the Slow Cooker

Now that you’ve seared the pork chops, it’s time to build flavor in the slow cooker. This is where you can get creative and customize the recipe to your liking. Here’s a basic framework, but feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations.

Ingredients you might like to use:

• Aromatics: Onions, garlic, shallots, and celery are all great choices for building a flavorful base. Sauté them in the skillet after searing the pork chops to deglaze the pan and pick up all those delicious browned bits.
• Liquids: Chicken broth, beef broth, apple cider, wine, and even beer can be used to add moisture and flavor to the slow cooker. I often use a combination of chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a touch of acidity.
• Herbs and Spices: Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage work well in slow cookers. You can also use fresh herbs, but add them towards the end of the cooking time to preserve their flavor. For spices, consider paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin.
• Sauces: A little bit of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even BBQ sauce can add a depth of flavor to the pork chops.
• Vegetables: Add some hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal.

Remember that great soups are also cooked in the slow cooker, if you like slow cooking recipes then you can make CROCK POT CRACK SOUP! The soup is so easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of time to make.

Consider the following recipe for the sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil until softened. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Pour the sauce over the pork chops in the slow cooker.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Juicy Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a detailed step-by-step recipe for making juicy slow cooker pork chops. I promise, if you follow these instructions, you’ll be amazed at the results.

1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown better when searing.
2. Season Generously: Season the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Don’t be shy! The seasoning will penetrate the meat during the slow cooking process.
3. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. The kitchen will start to smell fantastic!
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the sautéed onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the seared pork chops.
6. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
7. Pour Sauce Over Pork Chops: Pour the sauce over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Make sure the chops are mostly submerged in the liquid.
8. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork chops are done when they’re fork-tender and easily shreddable.
9. Shred (Optional): If you want shredded pork chops, use two forks to shred the meat in the slow cooker.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pork chops with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Drizzle with the delicious sauce from the slow cooker.

Slow cooking is also great for cooking soups. For another recipe that is super easy, try making CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP MAGIC! This soup is a great and easy alternative to having to make a whole lasagna.

Success Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Here are a few golden tips to ensure your slow cooker pork chops are a resounding success:

• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork chops is crucial for developing flavor and sealing in the juices.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked pork chops are dry and tough. Check the pork chops for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. They should be fork-tender.
• Thick-Cut is Best: Use thick-cut pork chops to prevent them from drying out during the slow cooking process.
• Add Acidity: A touch of acidity, such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, helps to tenderize the meat and balance the flavors.
• Let it Rest: After slow cooking, let the pork chops rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Honey Garlic Pork Chops: Add honey and soy sauce to the sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
• BBQ Pork Chops: Use your favorite BBQ sauce as the base for the sauce.
• Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops: Add sliced apples and cinnamon to the slow cooker for a fall-inspired dish.
• Mushroom Gravy Pork Chops: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker and make a creamy gravy with the cooking liquid.

If you want to try something unique in the slow cooker, then check out the SLOW COOKER STUFFED PEPPERS! This is a great and easy meal that you can cook in the slow cooker as well.

Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker pork chops are delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Rice
• Roasted Vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, and broccoli)
• Green Beans
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the Cob

Don’t forget to drizzle the pork chops with the delicious sauce from the slow cooker. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Slow cooker pork chops are a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the pork chops and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat.

I love making tacos or enchiladas with leftover pork chops. Try making CROCKPOT CHICKEN ENCHILADA PERFECTION if you want a similar recipe.

Final Thoughts

Making Juicy Slow Cooker Pork Chops is easier than you think! With a little bit of preparation and the right technique, you can create a truly memorable meal that your whole family will love. So go ahead, give this recipe a try. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Here’s another great meal that you can make in the slow cooker with ground beef: CROCK POT CHILI MAC PERFECTION! This is a great one-pot meal.

Juicy Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Transform humble pork chops into a succulent, flavorful masterpiece with this slow cooker recipe. Searing the pork chops before slow cooking creates a beautiful crust that seals in the juices, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 thick-cut pork chops bone-in or boneless, at least 1 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large Skillet
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
2. Season the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Place the sautéed onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
7. Top with the seared pork chops.
8. In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
9. Pour the sauce over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Make sure the chops are mostly submerged in the liquid.
10. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork chops are done when they’re fork-tender.
11. Serve the pork chops with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Drizzle with the delicious sauce from the slow cooker.

Notes

For best results, use thick-cut pork chops to prevent them from drying out during slow cooking. Searing the pork chops is crucial for developing flavor and sealing in the juices. Don’t overcook the pork chops; check for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. Add a touch of acidity, such as apple cider vinegar, to tenderize the meat and balance the flavors. Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To vary the recipe, try adding honey and soy sauce for honey garlic pork chops, or use your favorite BBQ sauce for BBQ pork chops.