Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops (Super Tender!!)

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a meal that feels like a warm hug from your grandma but without having to spend hours in the kitchen, welcome to the magic of smothered pork chops. Slow-cooked to perfection, drenched in a savory, velvety onion gravy, and tender enough to make your fork feel like a lightsaber slicing through butter—this dish is about to be your new obsession.

Why This Recipe Slaps 🔥

Besides being the culinary equivalent of a weighted blanket, these pork chops practically cook themselves (thank you, slow cooker, for being the true MVP). But before we dive in, let’s drop a fun fact:

👉 Did you know that the concept of “smothering” food comes from Louisiana Creole cuisine? It’s basically a slow-cooked method where meat or veggies get stewed in a thick, flavorful sauce until they reach peak deliciousness.

The Game Plan: Set It & Forget It

This recipe keeps things simple: season, sear, sauce, and slow cook. That’s it. No fancy techniques, no weird ingredients—just straight-up flavor magic.

What You’ll Need:

  • Pork chops: Bone-in for extra juiciness (because nobody likes dry, sad chops).
  • Onions & garlic: The dynamic duo of flavor.
  • Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Hard to say, easy to love.
  • Paprika & thyme: Smoky, herby goodness.

How to Make It:

1️⃣ Sear the chops – This locks in flavor and makes you feel like a pro chef.
2️⃣ Cook down the onions & garlic – Because caramelized onions make everything better.
3️⃣ Make the sauce – A little flour, a little broth, a little Worcestershire magic.
4️⃣ Let the slow cooker do its thing – Low & slow = fall-apart perfection.
5️⃣ Finish with sour cream (optional, but do it) – For that next-level creaminess.

The Result? 🤤

Imagine this: tender, juicy pork chops swimming in a rich, savory onion gravy that’s basically liquid gold. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even a thick slice of bread (because carbs = happiness).

So, go ahead—throw this together, kick back, and let your slow cooker handle dinner. Your taste buds will thank you.

Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

Slow-cooked to perfection, drenched in a savory, velvety onion gravy, and tender enough to make your fork feel like a lightsaber slicing through butter—this dish is about to be your new obsession.
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Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time:3 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

Sauce/Gravy:

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons paprika preferably smoked
  • 1 teaspoon freeze-dried thyme

Pork Chops:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops about 3/4-inch thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

How to Make It:

  • 1️⃣ Season like you mean it – Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the pork chops. No bland bites here.
  • 2️⃣ Sear for that golden goodness – Heat up some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a deep, mouthwatering crust. Transfer them to your slow cooker like the VIPs they are.
  • 3️⃣ Onion & garlic takeover – In the same skillet (because who likes extra dishes?), toss in the sliced onions. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until your kitchen smells amazing.
  • 4️⃣ Make it saucy – Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to coat everything. Cook for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste.
  • 5️⃣ Build the flavor – Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to keep things smooth, then mix in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and thyme. This is where the magic happens.
  • 6️⃣ Slow cooker time – Pour this rich, savory onion gravy over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
  • 7️⃣ Set it & forget it – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (hello, fall-apart tenderness) or high for 3-4 hours if you’re on a time crunch. By the end, your pork chops will be swimming in the most luxurious gravy ever. (I almost always do high for 3.5 hours and it’s wonderful!)
Servings: 4

2 Comments

    1. That’s a great question! I’ve never tested this out, but I believe you absolutely could do this in a dutch oven. Slow Cooker “Low” Setting: Roughly translates to 200-250°F in the oven.
      Slow Cooker “High” Setting: Translates to 300-350°F in the oven, but cooking times will be most likely need to be reduced. I will have to test this out someday!

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