If you’re craving something truly comforting that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma, this Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is just the ticket. Juicy, bone-in pork chops slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce loaded with caramelized onions, crisp bacon, and fragrant herbs create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends and family. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a beloved staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to make the most unforgettable meals. Each item here plays a crucial role—from the smoky bacon that adds a crispy texture, to the fresh thyme that lends herbal brightness, this list is essential for capturing the heart and soul of these smothered pork chops.
- Bacon (4 slices, cut into ½-inch slices): Adds smoky flavor and crunch to finish the dish beautifully.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Forms the savory base of the slow cooker sauce helping keep the chops tender.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Gives a touch of umami and depth to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Adds a tangy richness that balances perfectly with the sweetness of brown sugar.
- Bay leaves (2): Infuse the sauce with those subtle earthy, herbal notes.
- Brown sugar (1½ tbsp, divided): Caramelizes with onions and enhances the natural sweetness of the pork chops.
- Pork chops (6 bone-in blade-cut, about 1-inch thick): The star protein, juicy and tender when slow cooked.
- Yellow onions (3, halved and sliced into ½-inch half-moons): Become beautifully soft and sweet when cooked slowly.
- Water (¼ cup plus 2 tbsp): Helps build your sauce and cook the onions perfectly.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning all the components consistently.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ tsp): Adds subtle heat and balances flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic notes that elevate the dish.
- Minced fresh thyme leaves (2 tsp): Brings a fresh, earthy touch that complements the pork beautifully.
- Cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves (1 tbsp): Adds a fresh, green finishing touch and lovely color.
How to Make Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by spraying your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup super easy. Then set the temperature to low so everything cooks gently and slowly, just as the pork chops deserve.
Step 2: Combine Broth and Sauces
Into the slow cooker, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and toss in your bay leaves along with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. This liquid mixture will simmer alongside the chops and soak them in a wonderful blend of flavors.
Step 3: Season the Pork Chops
Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels for a nice sear, then season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning ensures the meat’s natural flavors shine.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until they just start to crisp. Take them out onto a paper towel-lined plate, leaving that flavorful bacon fat in the pan. That bacon fat will take the onions and pork chops to the next level.
Step 5: Brown the Pork Chops
Using the same skillet with the bacon fat, sear three pork chops at a time until they turn beautifully golden on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Then transfer them to the slow cooker. Repeat this process for all six chops—this step locks in juiciness and adds that irresistible caramelized flavor.
Step 6: Sauté Onions and Build Flavor
Add the onions to the skillet along with the remaining 1½ teaspoons of brown sugar, ¼ cup water, salt, and pepper. Scrape any browned bits off the pan’s bottom—those little bits are pure gold for flavor—and cook the onions over medium heat, stirring often, until they’re soft and luscious, about 6 minutes.
Step 7: Add Garlic and Thyme
Sprinkle the minced garlic and fresh thyme into the skillet, cooking for just another 30 seconds to release their amazing aromas without burning the garlic.
Step 8: Pour Onion Mixture Over Chops
Now it’s magic time—pour that gorgeous onion-garlic mixture right on top of the pork chops nestled in your slow cooker. This adds layers of flavor and moisture to the meat during cooking.
Step 9: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours, letting the pork chops become super tender and soak up all those savory juices. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours works too!
Step 10: Rest the Pork Chops
When the pork chops are done, transfer them carefully to a serving dish and loosely cover with foil. Let them rest for about 5 minutes while you prepare the sauce for serving—resting keeps the juices locked in.
Step 11: Prepare the Sauce
Remove the bay leaves from the crock pot sauce and skim off any excess fat that floats on the top. This step keeps your sauce silky and clean in flavor.
Step 12: Finish the Sauce
Add the cider vinegar and fresh chopped parsley to the sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all those bright and fresh flavors with the rich base.
Step 13: Serve with Sauce and Bacon
Spoon about a cup of this mouthwatering sauce over each pork chop, then sprinkle with the crispy bacon pieces. Ladle the remaining sauce into a bowl for extra saucing at the table. Now, your Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t overlook the power of garnishes! The fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note, while the crispy bacon pieces bring a salty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender pork and silky sauce. A few extra thyme sprigs on the side can add a pretty, fragrant touch too.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that luscious sauce, or buttery egg noodles tossed with a hint of garlic. For a veggie side, steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a pop of color and subtle sweetness that balance the richness of the pork chops.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these pork chops family-style on a large rustic platter with the sauce poured over and extra bacon sprinkled on top. Or plate them individually with a ring of onions around and drizzled sauce artistically swirled on the plate edge for a restaurant-quality presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover smothered pork chops keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making the leftovers taste just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool everything completely before freezing to protect texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, covering the dish to keep moisture in. Stir the sauce occasionally during reheating to ensure even warming without drying out the chops.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! While bone-in chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful, boneless pork chops will work fine too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they might cook a bit faster.
Is it necessary to brown the pork chops before slow cooking?
Browning adds a wonderful depth of flavor and appealing color, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just know the dish won’t have the same rich caramelized taste without it.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
You can! Use the sauté function for browning the pork chops and onions, then pressure cook on high for about 20 minutes with natural release, but this recipe truly shines in a slow cooker for tender results.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme? Can I use dried?
Dried thyme works as a substitute, but use about one-third of the amount (around ¾ teaspoon) because dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
Can this recipe be made without bacon?
Yes, you can omit bacon if you prefer a milder flavor. However, bacon adds a lovely smoky bite and texture that enhances the dish, so consider adding a smoky paprika for some of that depth if leaving it out.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is hands down a comfort food hero that will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners. It’s so satisfying to come home to tender pork chops bathed in a rich, savory sauce with sweet onions and crispy bacon waiting for you. I can’t recommend this recipe enough—gather your ingredients, set it up, and let your slow cooker do its magic. Your taste buds will thank you!
