These Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops are tender and packed with flavor! The garlic parmesan sauce makes every bite delicious and creamy, perfect for a cozy meal at home.
I love how simple it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Plus, the smell wafting through the house? Pure comfort! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops give extra flavor and juiciness compared to boneless. If you only have boneless chops, they’ll work, but reduce cooking time slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute. Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy, but you can replace it with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream if you want a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese yields better texture and flavor than the pre-grated kind. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a similar taste.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is best to control the saltiness. If you don’t have any, water with a little added seasoning can be an okay substitute.
How Do I Ensure the Pork Chops Are Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to tender pork chops is in the slow cooking! Searing them beforehand boosts the flavor, creating a nice crust. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Season your pork chops generously with salt and pepper before searing.
- Heat the oil until it’s hot, then add the chops. This helps form that tasty brown crust.
- Ensure the slow cooker is set to low for 4-6 hours for the best tenderness; high heat can dry them out.
Checking for doneness is crucial! The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time for seasoning and searing the chops, plus 4-6 hours of cooking time on low, or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for a hassle-free dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by generously seasoning your pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This adds great flavor to the meat!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re nicely browned. This step locks in flavor and gives a delicious crust. Afterward, remove them from the heat.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, place the minced garlic at the bottom along with the chicken broth. This will create a flavorful base for your sauce.
4. Add the Pork Chops:
Carefully place the seared pork chops into the slow cooker, arranging them evenly so they get coated with the sauce.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and onion powder until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the creamy mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well-coated.
7. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The pork chops are done when they’re tender and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
8. (Optional) Thicken the Sauce:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, after the pork chops are cooked, remove them gently from the slow cooker. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and turn the heat to high. Cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve:
Serve the tender pork chops with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce spooned generously over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
This recipe creates tender, flavorful pork chops swimming in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce perfect for an easy dinner. Enjoy!
FAQ: Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops will work well! Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out—check for doneness around 2-3 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Definitely! Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream or coconut cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Make sure the broth is also dairy-free.
How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) toward the end of cooking. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
