These slow cooker smothered pork chops cook on Low for 4–6 hours, followed by 30 minutes on High to thicken the gravy. Plan on about 5 hours 40 minutes using the middle of that range, including 10 minutes of preparation. Check that the pork reaches at least 145°F and let it rest for three minutes before serving.
These slow-cooked, juicy pork chops simmer in a rich onion soup, chicken broth, and creamy soup gravy with a bit of garlic. A final drizzle of thickened gravy tops off your dish and adds an umami-packed richness and lusciousness that renders every bite meltingly tender. Pair this with wholesome classic accompaniments — creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that gravy goodness — and you have a hearty, moreish, low-key meal for any soul-warming dinner.
Why You’ll Love These Smothered Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Simplicity: Use the slow cooker to do the work and go about your day! This one is easy, hands-off and ideal for busy schedules.
Pork Chops, Incredibly Tender: These chops are truly melt-in-your-mouth tender; slow cooking brings out their natural juiciness. Try our Pork Chop Supreme next.
Savory, Creamy Gravy: The mix of onion soup mix, cream of chicken, and pork gravy mix makes for a flavorful gravy that’s savory and rich and perfectly seasoned.
Hearty Versatile: Served over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking gravy.
Key Ingredients
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are best for this recipe, since the bone helps the meat retain moisture and stay juicy during cooking over low heat. 3 Choose chops that are approximately 1 inch thick for the best texture.
Onion Soup Mix: This blend brings an amazing depth of flavor and just a hint of onion without taking over the dish.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Uses low-sodium to your advantage because you can control the salt. You might also substitute cream of mushroom soup for an earthier flavor.
Pork Gravy Mix: This is the perfect savory spice balance, paired perfectly with the pork chops. If pork isn’t available, substitute chicken gravy mix. If you like this, you'll love our Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole.
Cornstarch Slurry: This easy, effective way to make the gravy thicker at the end without introducing more flavor is cornstarch mixed with cold water. It lends to achieving a velvety texture that clings to the pork chops.
Full list of ingredients with amounts and steps located in the recipe card below
How to Make Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops
Step 1: Get Slow Cooker Ready
Make the Gravy Mixture: Whisk together in a 5-6 quart slow cooker:
1 packet onion soup mix
1 can (14 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 packet dry pork gravy mix
Blend until homogeneous: the gravy should be homogeneous with an even consistency.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Season Pork Chops: Rub the garlic powder on both sides of the four bone-in pork chops.
Step 3: Add pork chops to slow cooker.
Layer Pork Chops: Place seasoned pork chops in one flat layer in slow cooker—do not stack on top of each other.
Pour Gravy: Pour the gravy mixture over the pork chops and make sure they are fully covered.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork Chops
Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours, until the pork chops are tender and reach at least 145°F in the thickest part.
More easy dinners you might like
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Make Thickening Slurry: In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water, to a smooth slurry. For another easy option, see our Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Cheesy Potato Bake.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Cook on high: Cover and cook 30 additional minutes on high for gravy to thicken to ideal consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve: Turn off the slow cooker and carefully transfer the pork chops to a serving platter. Let them rest for three minutes before serving.
Pour or Serve Gravy: Pour thickened gravy on pork chops or serve with pork chops.
Garnish: I also really like sprinkling this with fresh chopped parsley as a final touch, but this is optional.
Serving Suggestions
These smothered pork chops are a robust, hearty meal in themselves, but here are some serving suggestions to round out the meal:
Mashed Potatoes: Serve the pork chops with a mound of rich mashed potatoes to soak up all that gravy.
Rice or Egg Noodles: Either is a great choice for some starch to absorb the of not-overly-rich savory flavors.
Roasted vegetables: Roasting carrots or green beans or Brussels sprouts also gives color, and a nice contrast to the creamy gravy.
Crispy Bread: Serve alongside a hunk of crusty bread, for sopping up every last bit of gravy.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Refrigerating: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to evolve, and the pork chops become that much more tantalizing.
Freezing: Transfer the pork chops and gravy to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
To Reheat: Heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You might have to dash in a bit of chicken broth to loosen the gravy as it reheats. Or microwave blocked portions, in 1-minute increments. You might also like our Pork Chops that Melt in Your Mouth.
Variations
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Substitute the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom to give it an earthy taste that works well with pork.
Add Fresh Herbs: A sprig of rosemary or a sprinkle of thyme leaves adds a fragrant herbal note to the gravy.
Spicy Kick: Stir a bit of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the gravy for a little spice.
Vegetable Additions: For additional texture and flavor, place sliced onions or mushrooms into the slow cooker with the pork chops.
Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in chops stay juicy during slow cooking, but boneless chops also work. Start checking them sooner so they do not overcook.
More About These Pork Chops
These Smothered Pork Chops are a powerhouse of a comfort meal, with tender chops of pork swimming in a creamy, savory gravy that’s packed with depth and flavor. This recipe will wish you a family favorite; and it’s suitable for everything from busy weeknight dinners to cozy Sunday suppers. Just put everything in a slow cooker and let it work its magic for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Try our Smothered Baked Pork Chops next.
Gather ingredients, prepare the slow cooker, and settle down to savor every savory, comforting mouthful! If you like this, you'll love our Delicious Brown Sugar Chops.
Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops
Want This Recipe Later?
We'll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 oz packet onion soup mix
- 1 can chicken broth 14 oz, low sodium
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz, low sodium
- 1 oz packet dry pork gravy mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
- 3 tbsp cold water for thickening slurry
- to taste freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a 5–6 quart slow cooker, whisk together the onion soup mix, 14 ounces low-sodium chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and dry pork gravy mix until blended.
- Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with garlic powder.
- Place seasoned pork chops in the slow cooker, laying them flat. Pour the gravy mixture over the pork chops, ensuring they're fully coated.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours, until the pork chops are tender and reach at least 145°F in the thickest part.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the slow cooker and stir into the gravy.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to high, cooking for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Transfer the pork chops to a platter and let them rest for three minutes. Serve with the gravy on top or on the side and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates based on the listed ingredients and serving count. Actual values vary with brands, cuts and portion sizes.
