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’re Going to 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.
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.
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
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
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 1/2 cups 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 4-6 bone-in pork chops on either side with garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
Go ahead and add pork chops to slow cooker
Layer Pork Chops: Add the seasoned pork chops to the slow cooker in a single layer, flat, not stacked.
Pour Gravy: Pour the gravy mixture over the pork chops, covering them completely.
Step 4: Cook Pork Chops in a Slow Cooker
Place lid on slow cooker and set to low for 4-6 hours. This will help break down the pork chops and soak them with gravy goodness.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Make Thickening Slurry: In a small bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
Add Slurry to Slow Cooker: Add the slurry to the slow cooker and carefully mix it into the gravy.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Cook on high: Cover and cook 30 more minutes on high to thicken gravy to best consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve: Turn off the slow cooker, lift out the pork chops, and transfer to a serving platter.
Pour or Serve Gravy: Pour thickened gravy over pork chops or serve alongside.
Garnish: As a final touch, I love sprinkling it with freshly chopped parsley, but that is optional.
Serving Suggestions:
These smothered pork chops are a robust, comforting meal all by themselves, but here are some serving ideas to round out the meal:
Mashed Potatoes: Top the pork chops with a mountain of rich mashed potatoes to soak up all that gravy.
Rice or Egg Noodles: Either are perfect options for a side that will soak up the rich, savory flavors.
Roasted vegetables: Carrots, green beans or Brussels sprouts roasted help to add color and nice contrast against the creamy gravy.
Crispy Bread: Accompany with a hunk of crusty bread, to soak up every last drop of gravy.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
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.
Variations and Additions:
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: I prefer bone-in pork chops for juiciness with the skin on but if you’re partial to boneless chops, they can be used, too. You just want to decrease the cooking time so that it doesn’t overcook.
Conclusion:
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.
Gather ingredients, prepare the slow cooker, and settle down to savor every savory, comforting mouthful!
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.