These Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops are super tender and full of flavor, thanks to the creamy garlic parmesan sauce! Just pop everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
Honestly, the smell that fills the house while they’re cooking is the best part! I love serving them with mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add flavor and moisture. If you prefer, boneless chops or even pork loin can be used. Just make sure they’re of similar thickness for even cooking!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you want to lighten it up, you can swap in half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best choice for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated will work too. You could also try Pecorino Romano for a different taste.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. Use vegetable broth as a substitute for a lighter flavor or if you’re cooking for vegetarians. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary.
Seasoning: Italian seasoning brings a great herb blend. If you don’t have it, you can use a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme instead!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Pork Chops?
To get tender pork chops, there are a couple of key steps to follow. First, the searing in the skillet adds flavor and a nice crust. Don’t rush it! Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden.
- After searing, let the pork chops rest a moment. This helps retain juices when you cook them in the slow cooker.
- Setting your slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours is ideal for tenderness. If you’m in a hurry, use high for about 2-3 hours—just keep an eye on the chops! They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Optionally, mix cornstarch with water to thicken the sauce just before serving, giving it a luxurious finish. Stir in the mixture and cook for about 15 minutes on high until thickened.
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 3/4 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Then you’ll need to let the pork chops cook in the slow cooker for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. It’s super simple and leaves you with time to relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of your pork chops generously with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder. This will help infuse a ton of flavor!
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them until golden brown on both sides—this should take about 2-3 minutes each side. This step adds a nice crust and flavor, so don’t skip it!
3. Making the Sauce:
Remove the seared pork chops from the skillet, and in the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—this adds extra flavor!
4. Mixing in the Cheese:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines nicely with the sauce. You’ll love the creamy texture this brings!
5. Setting Up the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the pork chops into the slow cooker and pour the delicious garlic Parmesan sauce all over them. Make sure the chops are well coated.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know they are done when they are fork-tender and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Stir this into the sauce about 15 minutes before serving, and cook on high until it thickens. Simple and effective!
8. Final Touches:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the pork chops for a burst of color and freshness. It also adds a nice flavor contrast!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pork chops hot with that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce generously spooned on top. They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes or some steamed veggies! Enjoy every bite!
Happy cooking! Your family and friends will love this dish!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork chops if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; boneless chops usually cook faster, so you might need to reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce will be less thick and rich. If you want a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the sauce as well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork chops and sauce! Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or microwave.
