These Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops are tender and covered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that will make your taste buds dance! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
The simplicity of this meal is what I love most. You can enjoy a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen! Pair it with some rice or veggies for a complete meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I love using bone-in pork chops for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops will work too, just watch the cooking time since they’ll cook faster.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong, aromatic flavor in the sauce. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon should suffice.
Heavy Cream: This keeps the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream substitute if you’re lactose intolerant.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts nicely into the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated works, but it may not be as creamy or flavorful. Nutritional yeast can be a good dairy-free substitute!
Italian Seasoning: I like Italian seasoning for a burst of flavor, but you can use just dried oregano or basil if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops before slow cooking is key to enhancing the overall flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough, so the oil shimmers when added.
- Pat the pork chops dry before seasoning to get a better sear. This helps avoid steaming.
- Add oil to the pan just before placing the chops. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if you have to, allowing the chops enough space to brown properly.
Perfectly seared chops create a delicious crust that locks in juices and flavors, making your meal even more enjoyable!
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll want to let it cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in your slow cooker. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning the pork chops generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and a little pinch of Italian seasoning. This step adds a ton of flavor right from the start!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the pork chops in the skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they become golden brown. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked; they’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker. Once seared, transfer the pork chops to your slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. This will infuse your sauce with a lovely garlic flavor!
4. Make the Sauce Base:
Pour in the chicken broth to the skillet, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer for about 2 minutes to combine all the flavors.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme. Mix well until the cheese melts and you have a smooth sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a tablespoon or two of water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the creamy sauce and cook for another minute until it thickens slightly.
7. Combine and Cook:
Now pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the pork chops in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re nicely coated. Cover and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked through.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a pop of color. Serve the pork chops warm, spooning that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over them. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables!
Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked pork chops!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work well in this recipe; just be aware that they might cook a bit faster than bone-in chops, so check for doneness a little earlier.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut cream. Keep in mind that using a lower-fat milk might result in a thinner sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! You can add veggies like carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the slow cooker along with the pork chops. Just cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking. You may need to add a little extra cooking time, especially for denser vegetables.
