These slow cooker pork chops are cooked to perfection in a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a warm hug for your taste buds, making dinner feel special without the fuss!
I love that you can toss everything in and let it simmer while you do other things. Plus, the sauce is so good, I find myself wanting to lick the plate clean! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: For flavor, bone-in chops are great, but boneless will work well too. You could also substitute with chicken thighs or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy, but for a lighter version, use half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Dairy-free? Try coconut milk, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best taste. If you’re in a pinch, substitute with Pecorino Romano or a store-bought grated option. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative as well!
Chicken Broth: Use beef broth for a deeper flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter dish. If you’re low sodium, a homemade broth or low-sodium options work wonderfully.
How Do I Keep My Pork Chops from Drying Out?
To ensure tender, juicy pork chops, the key is cooking them low and slow. The slow cooker helps break down the meat without losing moisture. Here’s how:
- For best results, sear the pork chops first to lock in flavors and juices.
- Keep the slow cooker covered; lifting the lid lets heat escape, extending cook time.
- Check for doneness about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C).
- If the sauce seems a bit too runny, take the chops out and thicken it on the stovetop. Adding a bit more flour mixed with water works wonders!
Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll need 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker for it to become tender and flavorful. Plus, there’s no need to stand over the stove—I love a recipe that does most of the work for me!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides. This seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavor of the pork.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Searing helps lock in moisture and adds a delicious flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
3. Add to the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the seared pork chops to your slow cooker. It’s okay if they overlap a bit; they will cook down beautifully!
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and flour (if you’re using it). Make sure everything is well mixed so you get a uniform, creamy sauce.
5. Pour the Sauce Over the Pork:
Take the creamy mixture and pour it over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re nicely covered in that sauce for maximum flavor!
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The goal here is to make the pork chops tender and juicy, so patience pays off!
7. Check the Sauce:
When your time is up, check the consistency of the sauce. If it’s too thin for your liking, remove the pork chops and thicken the sauce on the stovetop by simmering it with a bit more flour mixed with water until it reaches your desired thickness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the pork chops and spoon that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color. This dish is wonderful served with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered pasta to soak up all that incredible sauce. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for faster defrosting. Just be aware that cooking time may increase slightly if starting from frozen.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a similar texture. For a dairy-free alternative, try using full-fat coconut milk, but this will impart a slightly different flavor to the sauce.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce if It’s Too Thin?
If your sauce turns out too thin, take a few tablespoons of the liquid from the slow cooker, whisk it with an equal amount of flour or cornstarch, and gradually stir it back into the sauce while simmering on the stove. This will help thicken it up nicely!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the sauce thickens during storage, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating for consistency.
