Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops are a Southern-inspired meal made with juicy thick cut pork chops simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy in the crockpot. It’s the perfect comfort food meal for busy days when you need a hands-off meal!

Whip out the slow cooker and make these pork recipes – The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork, Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs, and Glazed Crock Pot Pork Chops!

These Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops are the slow cooker version of my Smothered Pork Chops! I love this crockpot version as it’s a bit more hands-off, and you don’t have to wait around the stovetop while everything cooks. 

The pork chops are coated in spices and flour and then added to a skillet for a quick sear to lock in flavor. Then, they’re added to the slow cooker to finish cooking with the gravy. 

You can forget about the cream soups for this recipe! The from-scratch flavorful gravy is made with crispy bacon and rich, heavy cream. 

Why we love these Slow Cooker Pork Chops:

• Comfort food: The juicy pork chops combined with the rich, flavorful gravy create the perfect comfort food the whole family will love!
• Make ahead friendly: After searing the pork chops and starting the gravy, everything is tossed into the slow cooker to finish cooking, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you have a bunch of afternoon activities.
• Short prep time: You only need 15 minutes of prep time to whip up this easy recipe. After that, the crockpot does all the work!

Ingredients for these crockpot pork chops:

• Thick cut boneless pork chops: Go for boneless pork chops instead of bone-in pork chops, as they will take longer to cook, and I haven’t tested the recipe with bone-in ones! Be sure to use thick cut pork chops and not thin cut, or they will cook too quickly and become dry.
• All-purpose flour: helps thicken the gravy and coats the pork chops to give them a nice sear to lock in the juices.
• Spices: I use a blend of seasoning salt, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper to add flavor! 
• Thick cut bacon: adds a slightly smoky flavor and delicious texture to the gravy. 
• Onion: sautéed with the bacon for flavor! 
• Butter (optional if needed): if you didn’t get enough fat from cooking the bacon, you can add a little butter to the flour to make a roux, which thickens the gravy. 
• Gravy: I use low-sodium chicken broth and heavy whipping cream to create the rich and flavorful gravy for the pork chops. Make sure you use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content!

How to make pork chops in the slow cooker:

Make the best pork chops in the slow cooker! More detailed recipe instructions are in the recipe card below:

• Let the pork chops sit at room temperature. In a bowl, mix the flour and spices.
• Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture.

• In a hot skillet with oil, sear the pork chops for a few minutes on each side until golden. Set aside.
• In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Add the onion, cooking until softened, and add butter if needed.

• Stir in a bit of the reserved flour mixture, then add chicken broth and cream, whisking until smooth.
• Pour the sauce over the pork chops in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for a few hours until fork tender.

Tips and Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. They should read 145ºF when they’re done!
• Use thick cut pork chops that are at least 3/4-1-inch thick. These will cook at the perfect rate without drying out.
• Bring the pork to room temperature so it cooks evenly!
• You can skip the sear if you’re short on time, but I highly recommend it for adding extra flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten free. Make this recipe gluten free by swapping the flour for cornstarch instead. Instead of whisking in the flour before the broth and heavy cream, you’ll mix it with water and add add the slurry to the liquid to thicken. 
• Change up the spices. Ditch the spices used in the recipe and use a packet of ranch dressing mix or onion soup mix. If using an onion soup mix, you can omit the onion. 

How to store leftover Crockpot Pork Chops:

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warm. 

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Since this recipe uses heavy cream, it’ll freeze perfectly! Let everything cool down, then add it to an airtight container and pop it into the freezer for up to one month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Why are my pork chops tough?

They’re probably overcooked. The slow cooker is a pretty safe way to cook leaner meats because of the moist cooking environment, but they may still become tough if they are overdone.

Serving suggestions:

These pork chops pair well with so many different side dishes. I love them served over a bed of buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, alongside green beans with bacon, or with some warm Homemade Dinner Rolls!

More pork recipes you’ll love:

• JUICY Roast Pork Tenderloin — so simple!
• Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs — this one is always a hit here.
• Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin — another hands off dinner!
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin — a sweet and tangy twist.