The tender juicy crockpot pork chops recipe is going to become your new favorite dinner. This recipe is pure, homely comfort food. Prepared with simple ingredients, the crockpot does all the hard work making the pork chops tender and mouthwateringly juicy. The addition of savory mushrooms and onions adds to the depth of flavor in this dish.
Most of the ingredients used in this recipe are quite common and are likely already in your pantry. However, if you're missing cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup, you should be able to find these canned soups in the soup aisle in most supermarkets. You may also need to pick up some fresh mushrooms and onion if you don't typically keep these in your refrigerator.
Ingredients for Tender Juicy Crockpot Pork Chops
Pork chops: The main protein of our dish, select bone-in chops for the best flavor.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavor of the pork.
Paprika: Adds a mild sweet-peppery flavor to the pork.
Garlic powder: Gives a savory taste to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for browning the pork chops.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
Mushrooms: Gives a unique umami flavor and meaty texture.
Cream of mushroom soup: Gives a creamy and savory flavor to the dish.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds a rich and creamy taste.
Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the dish.
One reader, Inessa Clifford says:
This crockpot pork chops recipe is a game-changer! The pork chops turned out incredibly tender and juicy, bursting with flavor. The combination of the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups created a rich and savory sauce that perfectly complemented the pork. It's now a family favorite!
Techniques Required for Tender Juicy Crockpot Pork Chops
How to brown the pork: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Brown the pork chops on each side for about 3 minutes until they develop a golden crust.
How to prepare the slow cooker: Place the sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the pork chops.
How to make the sauce: After browning the pork, deglaze the pan with beef broth and then add the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups. Whisk the mixture to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce.
How to cook the pork: Place the browned pork chops on top of the onions and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork chops.
How to serve: Once the pork is tender, serve it over rice, potatoes, or noodles, and spoon the flavorful sauce and vegetables over the top.
How To Make Tender Juicy Crockpot Pork Chops
These tender and juicy slow-cooked pork chops in creamy mushroom sauce paired with either rice or noodles is a hearty meal to share with your family.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4pork chops,thick with bone-in is best
- salt & pepper,to taste
- ½tsppaprika
- ½tspgarlic powder
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1small onion,sliced
- 2cupsmushrooms,sliced
- 1cancream of mushroom soup
- 1cancream of chicken soup
- ¾cupbeef broth,I prefer low sodium
Instructions
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Preheat oil over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
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Brown pork on each side (about 3 minutes each side).
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Remove pork, add broth and soup to pan and whisk to release any brown bits in the pan.
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Place onion & mushrooms in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with pork and pour the soup mixture overtop.
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Cook on low 7 to 8 hours or until pork is tender. Serve over rice, potatoes or noodles.
Nutrition
- Calories: 556.93kcal
- Fat: 32.39g
- Saturated Fat: 9.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.20g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.26g
- Carbohydrates: 17.36g
- Fiber: 1.31g
- Sugar: 2.66g
- Protein: 47.31g
- Cholesterol: 146.76mg
- Sodium: 1554.17mg
- Calcium: 73.11mg
- Potassium: 1020.24mg
- Iron: 3.08mg
- Vitamin A: 63.37µg
- Vitamin C: 2.16mg
Technique Tip for Achieving Tender and Juicy Pork Chops
When browning the pork chops, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This could cause the chops to steam rather than sear, preventing that desirable brown crust from forming. Also, using a pair of tongs to turn the chops instead of a fork can help to keep the juices locked in, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a slow cooker: Slow cookers are great for tenderizing meat and can save time by allowing you to prepare the ingredients in the morning and have a meal ready by dinner time.
One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup by cooking everything in one pot or pan.
Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of food at once and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later.
Invest in quality tools: Quality knives, kitchen gadgets, and appliances can make food preparation more efficient, saving time in the long run.
Substitute Ingredients For Tender Juicy Crockpot Pork Chops Recipe
pork chops - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are a great alternative to pork chops as they are also flavorful and tender when cooked in a crockpot. They also absorb flavors well and won't dry out during the slow cooking process.
mushrooms - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can provide a similar texture and add a pop of color to the dish. They also have a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with sour cream mixed with mushroom broth: This substitute will provide a creamy and mushroom-flavored base for the dish, similar to the original ingredient. Mix sour cream with mushroom broth to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.
cream of chicken soup - Substitute with plain yogurt mixed with chicken broth: Plain yogurt mixed with chicken broth can provide a creamy and slightly tangy base for the recipe, similar to the cream of chicken soup. Adjust the consistency as needed.
Presenting Tender and Juicy Pork Chops from the Crockpot
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add color and vibrancy to the dish. The pork chops should be the focal point, surrounded by carefully placed elements to enhance the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by including a crispy potato galette or a delicate puff pastry crisp to provide contrast to the tender pork chops.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Every element should be meticulously arranged to showcase the attention to detail and culinary expertise.
Utilize complementary garnishes: Enhance the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of fleur de sel to elevate the flavors and add a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a porcelain plate with a minimalist design to allow the dish to take center stage while providing a sophisticated backdrop for the culinary masterpiece.
Essential Tools for Making Crockpot Pork Chops
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and low sides, used for frying and searing.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Slow cooker: An electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at lower temperatures.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for recipes.
- Spatula: A flat tool with a long handle, used for lifting and flipping food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening cans.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for making sauces and boiling liquids.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food.
- Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for covering and wrapping food during cooking.
- Meat thermometer: A tool used to measure the internal temperature of meat and poultry.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Grater: A tool used for grating cheese and vegetables.
- Basting brush: A brush used for applying sauces and marinades to food.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups and stews.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations for draining liquids from food.
- Pastry brush: A brush used for applying egg wash or glazes to pastries and baked goods.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Crockpot Pork Chops
- Storing leftovers: allow the pork chops to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: place the cooled pork chops in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date and contents.
- To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing. You can also wrap the pork chops tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality. When ready to eat, thaw the pork chops in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: place the thawed pork chops in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them as they may become tough.
- If you have any leftover sauce or gravy, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Pork Chops
Reheat the pork chops in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent the meat from drying out. This method ensures even heating and helps maintain the tenderness of the pork chops.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the pork chops in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of beef broth or water to keep them moist. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Let the pork chops rest for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
If you have leftover gravy or sauce, reheat it separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce is heated through, pour it over the reheated pork chops for added flavor and moisture.
For a crispy exterior, reheat the pork chops in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan and cook the pork chops for 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the pork chops quickly and achieve a crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the pork chops in the basket. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
Random Fact About Crockpot Pork Chops
The pork chops in this recipe are a great source of protein and essential nutrients, such as vitamin B6 and niacin. Pork is also a good source of zinc, which is important for the immune system and wound healing. Additionally, mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin D and B vitamins. This dish provides a delicious and nutritious meal for the whole family.
Is Making Pork Chops in the Crockpot Economical for Home Cooking?
This crockpot pork chops recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pork chops, mushrooms, and onions, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of canned soups and beef broth also adds to the affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. In terms of the overall verdict, I would rate this recipe an 8. The flavors are rich, and the pork turns out tender and juicy, making it a satisfying and economical choice for a family meal.
Are Crockpot Pork Chops Healthy or Unhealthy?
This crockpot pork chop recipe, while flavorful and convenient, leans towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The use of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, which are often high in sodium and contain processed ingredients.
- The recipe lacks vegetables, missing out on essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Pork chops can be high in saturated fat, depending on the cut and preparation method.
- The cooking method (slow cooker) may result in the loss of some nutrients due to the prolonged cooking time.
However, the recipe does include some positive elements, such as the use of mushrooms and onions, which provide some nutrients and flavor without adding significant calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the cream-based soups with a homemade version using low-fat milk, flour, and chicken or vegetable stock. This will reduce the sodium content and eliminate processed ingredients.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers. These will add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal.
- Opt for leaner cuts of pork, such as loin chops or tenderloin, and trim any visible fat before cooking to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Reduce the cooking time slightly to help preserve more of the nutrients in the ingredients.
- Serve the pork chops with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables and a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa to create a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Pork Chop Recipe
This crockpot pork chops recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The pork chops are perfectly seasoned and browned to create a rich, savory base, while the addition of onions and mushrooms infuses the dish with depth and earthy notes. The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, along with the beef broth, create a luscious and velvety sauce that envelops the pork as it slow cooks to tender perfection. This dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or noodles. It's a wonderful option for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering.
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Why trust this Tender Juicy Crockpot Pork Chops Recipe:
This recipe guarantees succulent pork chops cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, ensuring tender, juicy results every time. The combination of mushrooms, onions, and a rich blend of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup creates a flavorful and comforting dish. The addition of beef broth enhances the savory profile, making it a reliable and delicious choice for any occasion. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a delightful dining experience.
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