These Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and packed with rich, savory flavors. Slow-cooked in a creamy, onion-infused gravy, this dish is the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Gravy:

• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) low-sodium cream of chicken soup
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry pork gravy mix

For Thickening:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

Directions

1. Prepare the Gravy Mixture: In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, whisk together onion soup mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and pork gravy mix until smooth.
2. Season the Pork Chops: Lightly sprinkle garlic powder on both sides of the pork chops.
3. Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the pork chops into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated in the gravy mixture.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours until the pork is tender.
5. Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, switch to HIGH, and cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Plate the pork chops and generously top them with the thickened gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrients (Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Fat: ~18g
• Sodium: ~750mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops recipe is a must-try for several reasons:

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for those who want a hands-off cooking experience.
• Tender and Juicy Pork: The slow-cooking process ensures the pork chops turn out incredibly tender and infused with the rich flavors of the gravy.
• Rich and Creamy Gravy: The combination of onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, and pork gravy mix creates a deliciously thick and flavorful sauce.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers and meal planning.
• Versatile Pairings: These pork chops pair well with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to customize your meal.

The Secret to Extra Tender Pork Chops

One of the most common issues when cooking pork chops is dryness. However, using a slow cooker eliminates this problem by allowing the meat to cook slowly, absorbing moisture from the gravy. Here are a few tips to ensure your pork chops come out perfectly tender:

• Choose Bone-In Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops tend to retain more moisture and flavor compared to boneless cuts.
• Cook on Low Heat: Slow cooking on low for 4-6 hours ensures that the pork becomes fork-tender without drying out.
• Avoid Overcooking: While slow cookers are great for tenderizing meat, leaving pork chops in for too long can still make them tough. Check for doneness at the 4-hour mark.

The Magic of Slow Cooker Gravy

The rich and creamy gravy is what makes these smothered pork chops so irresistible. It combines a few simple pantry ingredients to create a flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the meat. Here’s what makes this gravy so special:

• Onion Soup Mix: Adds a deep, savory flavor with just the right amount of seasoning.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a smooth and creamy base for the gravy while adding extra depth.
• Pork Gravy Mix: Enhances the pork flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Cornstarch Slurry: A simple mix of cornstarch and water helps thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Smothered Pork Chops

These slow-cooked pork chops pair well with a variety of comforting side dishes. Here are some top choices:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base to soak up the rich gravy.
• Buttered Egg Noodles: Soft, buttery noodles add a simple yet delicious complement to the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, carrots, or broccoli provide a healthy, fresh contrast to the creamy pork chops.
• Rice: White or brown rice works well to absorb the flavorful sauce.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is a great Southern-style addition.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

One of the best things about this dish is that it stores well and tastes just as good the next day. Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store the pork chops and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze leftovers, place the pork chops and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Tips for Making the Best Smothered Pork Chops

To take this dish to the next level, follow these expert tips:

• Sear the Pork Chops First: While optional, browning the pork chops in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker adds an extra depth of flavor.
• Use Low-Sodium Ingredients: Since onion soup mix and gravy packets contain salt, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup to avoid an overly salty dish.
• Experiment with Herbs: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor of the gravy.
• For Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving for an even richer sauce.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

Smothered pork chops are a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. This recipe is great for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply making a hearty home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while still delivering a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove for hours.

Additionally, the creamy, onion-infused gravy makes this meal especially appealing to kids and adults alike. It’s a meal that feels both nostalgic and satisfying, making it a staple for many families.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use boneless pork chops? Yes! Boneless pork chops work well, but they may cook a little faster. Check for tenderness after 3-4 hours.
• Can I substitute cream of chicken soup? You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor.
• What if I don’t have pork gravy mix? You can substitute beef or chicken gravy mix, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Sear the pork chops on the sauté setting, then pressure cook for 10-12 minutes with a natural release. Use the sauté mode to thicken the gravy at the end.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are a perfect example of simple ingredients coming together to create a flavorful and comforting meal. With tender pork chops slow-cooked in a rich, creamy onion gravy, this dish is a winner for any occasion.

Whether you’re making dinner for your family, preparing a cozy meal for a weekend gathering, or looking for an easy slow cooker recipe, this dish is a fantastic choice. It’s hearty, satisfying, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Plus, with its easy preparation and hands-off cooking method, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.