This Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops recipe is a wonderful comfort food dish thatβs easy to make and is sure to be a hit with its rich, flavorful gravy. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this delicious meal:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 oz packet onion soup mix
- 1 14 oz can chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup, low sodium
- 1 oz packet dry pork gravy mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening the gravy)
- 3 tbsp cold water (for thickening the gravy)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Start by getting your 5-6 quart oval slow cooker ready. This size is ideal for ensuring the pork chops cook evenly and have enough space to be smothered in the gravy.
- Mix the Gravy Base:
- In the slow cooker, combine the onion soup mix, low sodium chicken broth, low sodium cream of chicken soup, and the dry pork gravy mix. This combination will create a flavorful and rich base for your pork chops.
- Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. This step is crucial for ensuring the flavors meld together and the soup mix and gravy mix dissolve properly.
- Season the Pork Chops:
- Take your pork chops and season each side lightly with garlic powder. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the meat.
- Add Pork Chops to Slow Cooker:
- Place the seasoned pork chops into the slow cooker. Try to spread them out as much as possible. If necessary, you can overlap them slightly, but each chop should be in contact with the gravy mixture.
- Spoon some of the gravy mixture over the top of the chops to ensure they are well covered.
- Cook the Pork Chops:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for approximately 4-6 hours. The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. They should be tender and cooked through by the end of cooking time.
- Thicken the Gravy:
- About 30 minutes before youβre ready to serve, prepare the gravy thickener. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This mixture is called a slurry and will help thicken your gravy without clumping.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the pork chops. Stir gently to mix it in with the gravy. Be careful not to disturb the pork chops too much.
- Final Cooking Stage:
- After adding the slurry, cover the slow cooker again and turn the heat to high. Cook for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the gravy to thicken up and reach the perfect consistency.
- Serve:
- Once the gravy has thickened, your pork chops are ready to be served. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, which complement the rich, creamy gravy.
Recipe Notes:
- Always ensure the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and are great for reheating.
- Feel free to add additional seasonings to the gravy to suit your taste.
Enjoy your Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops! This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and is sure to become a new favorite.