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Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops feature image showcasing a delicious and family-friendly recipe perfect for a simple weeknight meal.

Crock Pot Pork Perfection

Achieve fall-apart tender and flavorful pork chops with this easy crock pot recipe. This method focuses on collagen breakdown for ultimate succulence, using a balanced sauce of broth, vinegar, and aromatics. Sear for extra flavor, and monitor the temperature for perfect results.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops about 1-inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
  • 2 tablespoons cold water optional

Equipment

  • 6-quart or larger slow cooker
  • Large Skillet
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
  2. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (optional but recommended).
  4. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned (optional but recommended).
  5. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  6. Arrange the pork chops on top of the onions.
  7. In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar (if using), minced garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika.
  8. Pour the sauce over the pork chops, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
  9. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops and your slow cooker.
  10. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork chops are safe to eat at 145°F (63°C), but they will be most tender around 190-200°F (88-93°C).
  11. Once cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the pork chops from the slow cooker.
  12. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker (optional).
  13. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened (optional).
  14. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

For best results, use bone-in pork chops, as they tend to be more flavorful and stay moister during slow cooking. Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference; honey or maple syrup can also be used as substitutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pork chops in a skillet with a little bit of the sauce, or microwave until heated through. You can also add mushrooms or bell peppers to the slow cooker for more flavor and nutrients.