Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork chops in a crock pot is a great way to make a hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly meal for the whole family. The slow-cooking process ensures that the pork chops turn out tender and juicy, and they can be smothered in a creamy, mouthwatering gravy. This method is also incredibly easy and requires very little prep work, making it a convenient option for busy individuals or families. By using a crock pot, you can transform inexpensive pork chops into a delicious and impressive meal with minimal fuss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meat | Pork chops |
| Cut of meat | Thicker bone-in chops with fat throughout |
| Best pork chops for the crock pot | Blade chop, shoulder chop, sirloin chop, or tenderloin chops |
| Sauce ingredients | Mushroom gravy sauce |
| Condensed soup | Used to prevent curdling or separation |
| Broth | Regular or low-sodium beef broth or stock |
| Onions and mushrooms | Sliced onions and white or brown (cremini) mushrooms |
| Vegetables | Carrots, celery, fennel, potatoes, apples, Asian pears, drained sauerkraut |
| Brine | Optional |
| Cooking time | 2-7 hours |
| Temperature | Low |
| Cooking liquid | 1/4 cup |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, pasta, biscuits, salad, bread |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right pork chops
Thickness and Cut: Opt for thicker pork chops, ideally with a thickness of approximately 3/4" to 1". Thicker chops provide more flavour and moisture, preventing the meat from drying out during the slow cooking process. Look for bone-in chops, as they tend to be juicier and more flavourful. The best cuts for the crockpot include blade chops, shoulder chops, sirloin chops, or tenderloin chops. These cuts have the right amount of fat marbling, which contributes to their tenderness.
Fat Content: Select pork chops with good marbling, which means they have a nice distribution of fat throughout the meat. This fat will melt slowly during the slow cooking process, basting the meat from the inside and resulting in juicy, tender chops. Leaner cuts with less fat may turn out dry and less tender.
Bone-in vs. Boneless: While bone-in pork chops are generally preferred for their superior flavour and moisture retention, boneless chops can also be used. Just ensure that you choose boneless chops with good marbling to make up for the lack of bone-in moisture.
Brining: Consider brining your pork chops before cooking to enhance their flavour and moisture content. Brining involves submerging the chops in a solution of salt and water for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours. This process seasons the meat throughout and helps prevent overcooking. After brining, remember to rinse and pat the chops dry before cooking.
Freshness and Quality: Always choose fresh, high-quality pork chops from a reputable source. Look for chops with a pinkish colour and avoid those with excessive liquid in their packaging, as this may indicate previous freezing or thawing. Select chops with firm, creamy-white fat and avoid any with discolouration or off-odours.
By considering these factors when choosing your pork chops, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and tender crockpot meal. Remember, the right cut, thickness, and fat content are key to achieving the desired results.
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Preparing the crock pot
To prepare your crock pot for cooking pork chops, you'll want to start with choosing the right chops. For the best results, choose thick-cut pork chops with bone-in that have fat and great marbling. Look for a blade chop, shoulder chop, sirloin chop, or tenderloin chops. Boneless pork chops can also be used, but ensure they have nice marbling.
You can brine your pork chops before cooking, which seasons the meat throughout and provides some insurance against overcooking. To brine, stir together kosher salt and water until the salt dissolves. Place the chops in a shallow baking dish and pour the brine over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours. After brining, rinse the chops under cool running water and pat them dry.
If desired, you can sear the pork chops before placing them in the crock pot. To do this, heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the chops with salt and pepper on both sides, then sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
Now, you can prepare your crock pot by spreading minced garlic over the chops and sprinkling brown sugar on top. You can also season the chops with ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and pepper. Place the chops in the crock pot and pour in your desired cooking liquid, such as beef broth, chicken broth, or condensed soup.
For added flavour, you can add a layer of vegetables to the crock pot before placing the chops on top. Chopped vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes work well. You can also add fruits like apples or dried cranberries.
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Cooking times and temperatures
Cooking pork chops in a crock pot is a great way to ensure they come out tender and juicy. The low and slow cooking method is key to achieving this texture, allowing the meat's fats to melt and baste the pork.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether you are cooking on a high or low setting. For thicker pork chops, you should cook them on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For thinner chops, a low setting for 4-6 hours is recommended. If you are cooking just two chops, 4-6 hours on low is sufficient.
It is important not to lift the lid while the pork chops are cooking, as this will affect how tender they become.
After 2 hours of cooking on low, the pork chops will be cooked through at 145°F, but for the best results, it is recommended to leave them for the full cooking time.
If you are cooking the pork chops with vegetables, this will add some time to your overall cooking. You should first create a layer of vegetables in your crock pot, then place the chops on top. This will add around 2 hours to your cooking time, so plan for 4-6 hours on low with vegetables.
You can also brown your pork chops in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot. This will add some colour to the meat and only takes 2-3 minutes on each side.
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Making a sauce or gravy
There are several ways to make a sauce or gravy to accompany your pork chops. One option is to use a packet of pork gravy mix, which you can sprinkle over the chops before cooking. You can also make your own gravy by whisking together brown gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and beef broth in a slow cooker. If you want a creamy gravy, you can stir together cornstarch and water, then whisk this mixture into the crockpot to thicken the gravy.
Another option is to use condensed French onion soup, followed by beef broth. You can also add garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to taste. If you want to make a mushroom gravy, you can use condensed soup as a base, as fresh dairy can curdle or separate if cooked for too long in a slow cooker. You can also add beef or chicken broth, onions, and mushrooms. If you want to add extra flavor, you can brown the pork chops in a little oil before adding them to the crockpot.
If you're looking for a sweeter option, you can try making brown sugar pork chops. To make this, simply spread minced garlic over the chops, then sprinkle brown sugar on top before cooking.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked pork chops are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a popular side dish to serve with crockpot pork chops. You can make them from scratch or use boxed or microwaved potatoes—the choice is yours. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs well with the tender pork chops, and they can also soak up any extra gravy or sauce from the dish.
Rice
Rice is another great option to serve with crockpot pork chops. You can choose from a variety of rice types, such as steamed jasmine or brown rice. The nutty flavor of these rice varieties complements the sweetness of the pork chops. If you want to enhance the sweetness even more, serve the pork chops with homemade applesauce and a hint of cinnamon.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a healthy and flavorful addition to your crockpot pork chop meal. You can steam or stir-fry vegetables like broccoli, carrots, celery, or onions to serve as a side dish. If you're looking for a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich pork chops, consider serving a fresh green salad on the side.
Noodles
Pork chops can also be served with noodles, such as egg noodles or elbow noodles. For a heartier dish, you can add butter to the noodles. Alternatively, you can serve the pork chops over rice or noodles with a creamy gravy made from the broth.
Salad
A salad can be a refreshing side dish to accompany the hearty pork chops. You can choose from a variety of greens and vegetables to create a crisp and healthy salad. A simple dressing or vinaigrette can also add extra flavor to the dish.
Biscuits
If you're looking for a comforting side dish, consider making butter swim biscuits or regular biscuits to serve with the pork chops. The biscuits can soak up the gravy or broth, adding extra flavor to your meal.
Remember, crockpot pork chops are versatile, so feel free to get creative with your side dishes and experiment with different flavors and ingredients!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking pork chops in a crock pot is easy and results in tender, juicy meat. Start by seasoning the chops with salt and pepper on both sides and searing them in a pan for 2-3 minutes until browned. Transfer the chops to the crock pot and add your choice of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and potatoes. Pour in a liquid of your choice—this could be chicken broth, beef broth, or condensed soup—and cook on low for 2 to 6 hours.
For the best results, choose thicker bone-in chops with a bit of fat throughout. Leaner cuts will not be as tender. Look for blade chops, shoulder chops, sirloin chops, or tenderloin chops.
Crock pot pork chops go well with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. You can also serve them with a side of vegetables or a salad.
To make a creamy gravy, whisk together brown gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and beef broth in the crock pot. To thicken the gravy, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water, then slowly pour it into the crock pot while stirring.
Yes, brining the pork chops can help season the meat throughout and prevent overcooking. Dissolve 1/2 cup of kosher salt in 8 cups of water, then submerge the chops in the brine for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours. After brining, rinse the chops under cool running water and pat them dry before cooking.
