Cody Casey
Thick pork chops can be cooked in a crock pot in a variety of ways, with different recipes yielding fall-off-the-bone tender meat. The cooking time for thick-cut pork chops is typically between 5 and 6 hours on low heat. The best pork chops for this recipe are thick-cut chops with good marbling, which will result in juicy and tender meat. Boneless pork chops can be used but bone-in pork chops are preferable as they add more flavour to the dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cut of pork chop | Thick-cut, bone-in pork chops with fat and good marbling throughout. Blade, shoulder, or sirloin chops are recommended. |
| Brining | Optional. For four pork chops, use 1/2 cup of salt and eight cups of water. |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, oregano, basil, ranch dressing mix. |
| Cooking temperature | Low heat. |
| Cooking time | 4-6 hours for medium thickness chops, 5-6 hours for thick-cut chops. |
| Cooking method | Place chops on a layer of vegetables or fruits in the crock pot. |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, steamed vegetables, salad, cornbread. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right pork chops
Thickness: Opt for thicker pork chops when using a crockpot or slow cooker. Thinner chops tend to cook faster and may become dry if cooked for too long. Thick-cut pork chops benefit from the slow cooking process, absorbing flavours and retaining moisture. Aim for chops that are at least 3/4-inch thick, or even thicker if you have the time to cook them low and slow.
Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in pork chops are generally recommended for crockpot recipes as they add flavour to the dish and tend to produce more tender results. Bone-in blade chops, shoulder chops, and sirloin chops are excellent choices. However, if you prefer boneless chops, look for those with good marbling, as the fat content contributes to juiciness and flavour. Avoid very lean boneless chops, as they may turn out dry and less tender.
Cut and Marbling: The ideal pork chop for a crockpot should have nice marbling throughout, which means a good distribution of fat within the meat. This marbling adds flavour and helps keep the meat moist during the longer cooking time. A blade chop, shoulder chop, or sirloin chop with good marbling is a perfect choice. If you opt for boneless chops, ensure they have sufficient fat content for the best results.
Cooking Time: When selecting pork chops, consider the amount of time you plan to cook them. Thicker chops will require a longer cooking time, typically around 5-6 hours on low heat. If you choose thinner chops, adjust your cooking time accordingly, as they may only need 3-4 hours. Remember that crockpots excel at slow cooking, so thicker chops with a longer cooking time often yield more flavourful and tender results.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the right pork chop also depends on your personal preference. If you enjoy bone-in chops, go for it! If you prefer boneless, that's also an option, just be mindful of the fat content for optimal results. Some people also like to brine their pork chops before cooking, which can add extra flavour and moisture.
By considering thickness, bone-in versus boneless, cut, marbling, cooking time, and your personal preferences, you can choose the perfect pork chops for your crockpot meal. Remember, thicker chops with good marbling cooked low and slow tend to produce the most tender and flavourful results.
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Brining and seasoning
Brining is an optional step when preparing pork chops for the crock pot, but it can help to add flavour and moisture to the meat. To brine four pork chops, use 1/2 cup of salt and eight cups of water. If you do brine your pork chops, be sure to drain and rinse them under cool running water, then pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Seasoning is a key step in preparing pork chops for the crock pot. It adds flavour to the meat and can help to create a delicious gravy. You can season your pork chops with a variety of ingredients, such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, ranch dressing mix, oregano, basil, poultry seasoning, and onion powder. For example, one source recommends seasoning both sides of the pork chops with ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and pepper. Another source suggests whisking together paprika, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, oregano, and basil, then rubbing this mixture onto the pork chops.
You can also cut small slits in a diamond pattern on each pork chop to help the seasoning penetrate the meat. Additionally, searing the chops before adding them to the crock pot can add good flavour to the dish, although this step is optional. If you choose to sear the meat, you can also sauté onions or other vegetables that will be included in the dish, then deglaze the pan with the cooking liquid.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for thick pork chops in a crock pot varies depending on the recipe and the thickness of the pork chops. Generally, thicker pork chops will require a longer cooking time compared to thinner chops. It's important to note that crock pots typically cook at a lower temperature setting, allowing for slower cooking.
For thick-cut pork chops, a cooking time of 5 to 6 hours on low heat is recommended. This ensures that the meat cooks thoroughly without drying out. However, it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The recommended internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F (63°C).
If you prefer well-done pork chops, you can extend the cooking time by about 30 minutes to an hour. This will result in more tender and juicy chops. However, be cautious not to overcook the meat, as it may become dry and lose its moisture.
On the other hand, if you're short on time or prefer your pork chops slightly pink in the center, you can cook them on high heat for a shorter duration. A cooking time of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes on high heat can result in slightly pink pork chops with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Additionally, the type of pork chop you use can impact the cooking time. Boneless pork chops tend to cook faster than bone-in chops. For boneless center-cut loin chops that are slightly thicker than half an inch, a cooking time of about 3 hours and 45 minutes on low heat is suggested. Bone-in pork chops, which are thicker and have more fat marbling, may require a longer cooking time of up to 7 to 8 hours on low heat to achieve the desired tenderness.
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Making the gravy
To make the gravy, you'll first need to prepare the vegetables that will form the base of the sauce. Place your chosen vegetables and/or fruits—such as onions, mushrooms, and garlic—in a skillet and cook until softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in some flour, then add wine to the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
Next, whisk in broth, taking care to remove any lumps of flour that may have formed. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until it has thickened and become bubbly. You can also add butter at this stage for extra richness.
Now you're ready to add the gravy to the slow cooker. Place the vegetable and/or fruit mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the pork chops on top. Cover the slow cooker and cook on a low setting for 1.5-3 hours, depending on the type of pork chop you are using. Boneless pork chops will take 1 ½-2 hours to cook, while bone-in chops will take 2 ½-3 hours.
Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the crock and set them aside on a plate. Tent with foil and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the meat to relax before slicing.
If you'd like a thicker gravy, make a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and pour the remaining gravy into a small saucepan. Stir the slurry into the gravy and cook over medium heat until thickened, which should only take a few minutes.
Now you're ready to serve your thick, juicy pork chops with a delicious, hearty gravy!
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked thick pork chops are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for pork chops. The creamy texture and mild flavour of mashed potatoes complement the juicy, tender pork chops perfectly. You can serve the pork chops on a bed of mashed potatoes, or alongside them, with a generous ladle of gravy. For extra flavour, consider adding some garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes.
Rice
Rice is another excellent option to serve with thick pork chops. You can choose from a variety of rice types, such as white rice, brown rice, or flavoured rice. Rice pairs well with the gravy and can be served as a base for the pork chops, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Noodles
Noodles are a great alternative to rice and can be served in a similar fashion. Egg noodles or elbow noodles are a good choice, providing a soft texture and subtle flavour that won't overwhelm the pork. As with rice, you can serve the pork chops on a bed of noodles, or alongside them, ensuring that each bite can include a little of both the meat and the noodles.
Vegetables
A variety of vegetables can accompany thick pork chops. Steamed broccoli or carrots are excellent choices, providing colour, texture, and nutritional value to the dish. You can also serve the pork chops with a side salad, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat. Additionally, you can cook the pork chops on top of a layer of vegetables in the slow cooker, infusing them with flavour and creating a hands-off, flavourful meal.
Gravy
A rich, flavourful gravy can take your thick pork chops to the next level. You can make a gravy using the juices released from the meat, or by adding broth, soup, or other ingredients. Consider a mushroom onion gravy, or a creamy gravy using Greek yoghurt and chicken soup. Thicken your gravy with a slurry or cornstarch for a more indulgent texture.
Biscuits
For a comforting, hearty meal, serve your thick pork chops with biscuits. Butter Swim Biscuits, in particular, can add a delicious, buttery dimension to the dish.
Cornbread
If you're looking for a side dish with a bit more texture and flavour, cornbread is an excellent choice. It provides a sweet and savoury contrast to the savoury pork chops and can be a unique and satisfying addition to the meal.
These are just a few serving suggestions for thick pork chops cooked in a crock pot. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different side dishes and sauces to find your perfect combination!
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Frequently asked questions
For best results, choose thick-cut pork chops with good marbling and fat content. Boneless pork chops work too, but ensure they are not thin cut. Bone-in pork chops are recommended for more flavour.
For thick-cut pork chops, cook for 5-6 hours on low heat. Cooking on low heat for longer periods will ensure the pork chops are tender.
Always cook on low heat. Cooking on high heat will result in less tender meat.
Crock pot pork chops are often served with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or vegetables such as broccoli or carrots.
Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. You can also sear the chops before placing them in the crock pot to add more flavour.
