These tender, juicy pork chops are slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy, combining the flavors of onion soup, chicken broth, and creamy soup with a hint of garlic. The final touch of thickened gravy adds an irresistible richness, making each bite melt in your mouth. Serve this dish with classic sides like mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy, and enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for any cozy dinner.
Why You’ll Love These Smothered Pork Chops:
Slow Cooker Simplicity: Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day! This recipe is easy, hands-off, and perfect for busy schedules.
Incredibly Tender Pork Chops: Slow cooking these chops brings out their natural juiciness and ensures they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The combination of onion soup mix, cream of chicken, and pork gravy mix creates a flavorful gravy that’s savory, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.
Versatile and Hearty: This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of gravy.
Key Ingredients:
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this recipe as they retain moisture better and stay juicy during slow cooking. Choose chops that are about 1 inch thick for the best texture.
Onion Soup Mix: This mix adds an incredible depth of flavor and a subtle onion taste without overpowering the dish.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Low-sodium is recommended, as it allows you to control the salt level. You could also use cream of mushroom soup for an earthier flavor.
Pork Gravy Mix: This adds the perfect balance of savory spices, complementing the pork chops. Chicken gravy mix works as an alternative if pork isn’t available.
Cornstarch Slurry: Cornstarch mixed with cold water is an easy, effective way to thicken the gravy at the end without adding extra flavor. It helps achieve a velvety texture that coats the pork chops beautifully.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Make the Gravy Mixture: In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, whisk together:
1 packet onion soup mix
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 packet dry pork gravy mix
Blend Until Smooth: Stir until all ingredients are well-blended for a consistent gravy.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Season Pork Chops: Take 4-6 bone-in pork chops and sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, adding depth to the flavor.
Step 3: Add Pork Chops to Slow Cooker
Layer Pork Chops: Place seasoned pork chops in the slow cooker, laying them flat so they’re not stacked.
Pour Gravy: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the pork chops, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork Chops
Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours. This will make the pork chops tender and infuse them with the rich gravy flavors.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Prepare Thickening Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
Add Slurry to Slow Cooker: Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and gently stir it into the gravy.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Cook on High: Cover again, set to high, and cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy to a perfect consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve: Turn off the slow cooker, remove the pork chops, and place on a serving platter.
Pour or Serve Gravy: Pour the thickened gravy over the pork chops or serve on the side.
Garnish: Add freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These smothered pork chops are a hearty, comforting meal all on their own, but here are some serving ideas to make the meal complete:
Mashed Potatoes: Serve the pork chops over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy.
Rice or Egg Noodles: Both are perfect options for a side that will absorb the rich, savory flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add color and a nice contrast to the creamy gravy.
Crispy Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of gravy.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the pork chops even more delicious.
Freezing: You can freeze the pork chops and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let the dish cool completely before freezing.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to thin the gravy as it reheats. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Variations and Additions:
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom to add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with pork.
Add Fresh Herbs: A sprig of rosemary or a sprinkle of thyme leaves can add a fragrant herbal note to the gravy.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a bit of heat.
Vegetable Additions: Add sliced onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the pork chops for added texture and flavor.
Bone-In vs. Boneless: While bone-in pork chops are recommended for their moisture retention, boneless chops can also be used if preferred. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion:
These Smothered Pork Chops are the ultimate comfort meal, with tender pork chops swimming in a creamy, savory gravy that’s full of depth and flavor. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for everything from busy weeknight dinners to cozy Sunday suppers. Just let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Grab your ingredients, set up the slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy every savory, comforting bite!
Smothered Pork Chops
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 1 packet onion soup mix, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 can cream of chicken soup, and 1 packet dry pork gravy mix until well-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 the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the pork chops are tender.
- 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. Serve the pork chops with gravy poured on top or on the side, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.