Tender & Juicy Crockpot Pork Chops with Savory Mushroom Gravy
Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a delicious meal that practically cooked itself. These Crockpot Pork Chops deliver exactly that – a truly effortless and incredibly flavorful dinner experience. Smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy, generously dotted with earthy baby bella mushrooms and sweet, tender sliced onions, these pork chops are slow-cooked to absolute perfection. The result? Fork-tender, unbelievably juicy pork that simply melts in your mouth, infused with a depth of flavor that only a slow cooker can achieve. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to your table, making it an instant family favorite.
Forget dry, tough pork chops of the past. Our recipe transforms humble pork into a succulent masterpiece, thanks to the magic of slow cooking and a vibrant, robust gravy. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace after a long day, a dish that proves good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the world of slow cookers, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for its simplicity, irresistible taste, and the sheer joy of a hands-off cooking method.
Why These Slow Cooker Pork Chops Are a Must-Try
There’s a reason slow cooker recipes become cherished family staples, and these Crockpot Pork Chops are no exception. This recipe stands out for several compelling reasons, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike:
- Unrivaled Tenderness: The slow cooking process breaks down tough muscle fibers in the pork chops, resulting in unbelievably tender meat that can be cut with a fork. Unlike quick cooking methods that can leave pork dry, the crockpot ensures deep moisture retention, creating truly juicy pork chops every time.
- Hands-Off Convenience: Simply prepare your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. This frees up your time to focus on other tasks, whether it’s working, running errands, or simply relaxing, making it the perfect solution for a busy schedule. These slow-cooked pork chops almost cook themselves!
- Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The star of this dish, alongside the pork, is the deeply savory brown gravy. Crafted from a blend of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, low sodium chicken broth, and a touch of Kitchen Bouquet, it infuses every bite of pork with robust, umami-packed flavor that’s both hearty and satisfying.
- Depth from Onions and Mushrooms: Sliced onions sweeten and caramelize as they cook down, while baby bella mushrooms add an earthy, savory richness that complements the pork beautifully. These additions aren’t just for texture; they significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of the gravy, making it truly irresistible.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for making ahead. The flavors meld and deepen over time, and leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, making future meals a breeze. It’s a great option for packed lunches or quick dinners on busy days.
- Versatile and Customizable: While incredible as is, this recipe provides a fantastic base for customization. Easily adjust spices or add other vegetables to suit your family’s preferences, making it adaptable for various tastes and dietary needs.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting culinary experience that promises consistent results and incredible taste every time. It’s a reliable recipe you can always lean on for a satisfying and easy dinner, ensuring your crockpot pork chops are always a hit.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Pork Chops
Below you’ll find a detailed list of ingredients required to make these mouth-watering slow cooker pork chops. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding your ingredients and their roles can help you customize this dish to your taste and what you have on hand, ensuring your slow cooker pork chops are always perfect:
- PORK CHOPS: We highly recommend using bone-in pork chops of a regular cut (about 1-inch thick). The bone adds extra flavor and helps the chops retain moisture, contributing to that fall-off-the-bone tenderness that makes slow cooker pork chops so beloved. You can opt for thicker cuts (1.5 inches) but may need to extend the cooking time slightly. While boneless chops can work, they tend to dry out more easily in a slow cooker, so if using them, monitor carefully. Avoid thin-cut pork chops as they are very delicate and prone to overcooking and falling apart during the long slow-cooker process.
- THE GRAVY BASE: The heart of our flavorful gravy consists of condensed cream of mushroom soup and condensed cream of chicken soup. These provide a creamy, rich foundation and infuse the pork with savory notes. For a slightly lighter option, you could experiment with low-fat versions, though the richness might be slightly reduced. If you prefer to avoid condensed soups, you can create a similar creamy base with a homemade roux and broth, thickened with cornstarch or flour, for a from-scratch feel.
- BROTH: Low sodium chicken broth is used to thin the gravy and add a subtle layer of flavor without excessive saltiness. Feel free to substitute with beef broth for a deeper, more robust flavor profile, or use vegetable broth for a different flavor base. Always opt for low sodium to control the overall saltiness of your dish, especially when using other seasoned ingredients.
- KITCHEN BOUQUET: This incredible ingredient (Kitchen Bouquet) is a browning and seasoning sauce. It’s a blend of vegetable stock, spices, and herbs that’s invaluable for adding a rich, deep brown color to your gravy and stews, as well as an umami-packed depth of flavor. It really makes the gravy look and taste like it simmered all day. If you don’t have it, a small amount of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can offer a hint of umami, though they won’t replicate the color entirely.
- AROMATICS (Onions & Mushrooms): Sliced onions caramelize beautifully in the slow cooker, releasing their sweet, pungent flavors into the gravy. Baby bella mushrooms (also known as cremini) add a wonderful earthy texture and rich, savory notes that pair exceptionally well with pork. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or onions, you can certainly omit them, but be aware that you’ll miss out on a significant layer of flavor. You could also try other firmer vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers if you desire additional vegetable content.
- SEASONINGS: A simple yet effective blend of garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper forms the primary seasoning for the pork chops. This trio provides a foundational savory taste. You can adjust the quantities to your preference or add a dash of dried thyme or rosemary for an extra herbaceous touch. Remember to consider the sodium content from the garlic salt and low sodium broth when adjusting, and always taste before serving.
With these flexible options, you can tailor this crockpot pork chop recipe to perfectly suit your taste buds and dietary needs, ensuring a meal everyone will love.
Effortless Steps to Perfect Crockpot Pork Chops
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to guide you through making this incredible recipe with ease. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
Preparing these crockpot pork chops is straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that tastes like it took hours of intricate cooking, all thanks to your slow cooker.
- Season the Pork Chops: Begin by generously seasoning both sides of your bone-in pork chops. Use half of the garlic salt, half of the onion powder, and half of the black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building deep flavor in the meat, ensuring every bite of your slow cooker pork chops is savory.
- Heat the Skillet: Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium-high until it’s shimmering. This ensures the skillet is hot enough to create a good sear on the pork chops without them sticking.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot oil. Cook for approximately 3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This searing step isn’t strictly necessary but highly recommended as it creates a delicious crust and locks in juices, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture that slow cooking alone doesn’t provide. Once seared, remove the skillet from heat and set the chops aside.
- Prepare the Savory Gravy: In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Kitchen Bouquet, and the remaining garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat just until it’s heated through and well combined. You don’t need to bring it to a boil, just warm it gently to blend the flavors and create a smooth gravy for your slow cooker pork chops.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Arrange the sliced onions and baby bella mushrooms evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed for the pork chops to braise in. Next, place the browned pork chops directly on top of the vegetables. Finally, pour the prepared savory gravy generously all over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-covered and ready to absorb all those delicious flavors.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your crockpot securely. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the thickness of your pork chops. The goal is fork-tender pork that’s thoroughly cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Once cooked, gently remove the incredibly tender pork chops from the slow cooker, spooning plenty of the rich mushroom and onion gravy over each serving. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure maximum juiciness. Get ready to enjoy a deeply satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Here are some common questions and expert advice to help you master these delicious crockpot pork chops and ensure the best results every time.
Leftover crockpot pork chops and gravy can be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from the refrigerator, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first, then reheat as usual, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature.
For optimal food safety and cooking results, it is highly recommended to completely thaw frozen pork chops before adding them to your slow cooker. Placing frozen meat directly into a slow cooker can keep the meat in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) for too long, encouraging bacterial growth. Thawing ensures even cooking and prevents the pork from becoming tough or rubbery due to uneven temperature distribution. Always plan ahead to thaw your pork chops in the refrigerator overnight for the best outcome.
While searing the pork chops before placing them in the slow cooker is technically optional, it is a step we strongly recommend and consider an “expert tip” for enhanced flavor. Quickly browning the pork chops in a hot skillet creates a delicious caramelized crust through the Maillard reaction. This adds a depth of savory flavor and a more appealing texture that you simply won’t achieve by cooking them directly in the slow cooker without this initial step. If you’re truly short on time, you can skip it, but for the best tasting and most visually appealing results, a quick sear is absolutely worth the extra few minutes of effort.
If your gravy seems too thin after the pork chops are cooked, you can easily thicken it. Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and set them aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water (this is called a slurry) until smooth. Stir this mixture into the hot gravy in the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH (or, for a faster method, transfer the gravy to a saucepan on the stove) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This typically takes about 15-30 minutes in the crockpot or just a few minutes on the stovetop.
Yes, you absolutely can! Many enjoy making this a complete one-pot meal by adding hearty root vegetables. Cut potatoes (like Yukon Gold or red potatoes) and carrots into roughly 1-inch chunks. Add them to the slow cooker along with the onions and mushrooms at the beginning of the cooking process. Keep in mind that root vegetables absorb a lot of moisture and flavor from the gravy, and they will become very tender, almost melting, by the end of the cooking time, making them wonderfully infused with the savory sauce.
A 5-6 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, comfortably holding 4 regular-sized bone-in pork chops and sufficient gravy. This size allows for good circulation and even cooking. Ensure your slow cooker is clean and in good working order. While most slow cooker brands will yield similar results, cooking times can vary slightly based on your specific appliance’s temperature settings. It’s always a good idea to know your appliance and adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest for maximum juiciness.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Crockpot Pork Chops
These incredibly tender and flavorful crockpot pork chops, bathed in their rich mushroom and onion gravy, are truly a meal in themselves. However, pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience even further. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to complete your comfort food feast:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This is arguably the quintessential pairing. Fluffy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory brown gravy, creating a deeply comforting combination. Consider adding a touch of roasted garlic or fresh chives to your mash for an extra layer of flavor.
- Rice or Noodles: For a lighter carbohydrate option, serve these pork chops over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles. The grains and pasta will absorb the rich gravy beautifully, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Complement the richness of the pork and gravy with fresh, vibrant vegetables. Options like crisp steamed broccoli, tender roasted carrots, sweet corn, or garlic green beans provide a lovely textural contrast and a boost of essential nutrients.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t underestimate the power of a good piece of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for sopping up any leftover gravy on your plate. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy every last bit of that delicious sauce.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty main course, cleansing the palate between bites and adding a touch of brightness.
No matter what you choose, these juicy slow cooker pork chops are sure to be the star of your dinner table, promising comfort and incredible flavor with every bite.
More Pork Chop Recipes to Explore
If you loved these slow cooker pork chops, you might enjoy trying some of our other delicious pork chop recipes, prepared using various cooking methods for different occasions:
- Fried Pork Chops
- Baked Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Sous Vide Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Pork Chops
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Crockpot Pork Chops
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in pork chops 4 chops
- 1 Tablespoon garlic salt divided
- ½ Tablespoon onion powder divided
- ½ Tablespoon black pepper divided
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 10 ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 can
- 10 ounce condensed cream of chicken soup 1 can
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons Kitchen bouquet browning and seasoning sauce
- 2 cups sliced onions
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
Things You’ll Need
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5-6 qt Crockpot
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Large skillet
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Saucepan
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- We used regular cut bone-in pork chops for this recipe. You can use thick cut if you like, but thin cut pork chops might be a bit delicate for the crockpot and may fall apart easily during the long cooking process.
- Kitchen Bouquet is a browning and seasoning sauce, a mixture of vegetable stock, spices, and herbs that helps to add a rich flavor and deep color to gravies or stews, enhancing the visual appeal and umami of your dish.
- Store leftover crockpot pork chops in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Instructions
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Season both sides of the pork chops with half of the garlic salt, half of the onion powder, and half of the black pepper.
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Add olive oil to skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering.
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Add pork chops to hot oil and allow to cook for 3 minutes per side. Remove skillet from heat and set aside.
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To make the gravy, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Kitchen Bouquet, remaining garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine, cooking over medium-high heat, just enough to heat through.
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Add sliced onions and mushrooms to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place browned pork chops on top of the mushrooms and onions. Pour gravy all over the pork chops.
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Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.