Get ready for a warm meal with these Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes! Just toss in some juicy pork chops and tender potatoes for a fluffy, tasty dinner.
This dish is so simple; I love setting it up and forgetting about it. Dinner practically cooks itself! Plus, the flavors all blend together perfectly. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops give great flavor, but boneless works too if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on cooking times as boneless may cook faster.
Potatoes: I love using red potatoes because they hold their shape well. If you’d like, you can swap them for Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a little twist!
Seasonings: Thyme and parsley are classics, but feel free to switch them up. Italian seasoning or rosemary could work beautifully, depending on your taste!
Broth: Chicken broth gives a nice flavor, but vegetable or beef broth can be good alternatives if you prefer. Homemade broth really steps up the taste!
How Do You Get Tender Pork Chops in the Crock Pot?
The key to tender pork chops is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfectly:
- Prep Well: Make sure to dry off the pork chops! This helps with seasoning adhesion and browning if you sear them.
- Sear for Flavor: Searing the pork chops before adding them to the crock pot enhances flavor but isn’t necessary. If you skip it, just make sure to season them well.
- Layer Correctly: Always put the potatoes at the bottom since they take longer to cook. The pork chops on top ensure they stay juicy from the steam.
- Stay Patient: Resist the urge to lift the lid while cooking. This keeps the temperature consistent and allows the meats and veggies to cook evenly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have tender, flavorful pork chops every time!
Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 ½ pounds red potatoes, quartered
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled whole
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that lets the flavors develop beautifully while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, dried thyme, parsley, and paprika. Now, rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop to ensure they are well-flavored.
2. Searing the Pork Chops (Optional but Recommended):
If you want a nice sear, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the pork chops in the skillet and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are beautifully browned. This step is optional but adds great flavor and texture, so feel free to skip it if you want to save time!
3. Layering in the Crock Pot:
Now, let’s get everything into the crock pot! Start by placing the quartered potatoes at the bottom. Spread the chopped onion and whole garlic cloves over the potatoes, and then pour the chicken broth evenly over everything. This helps flavor the ingredients as they cook.
4. Adding the Pork Chops:
Carefully lay the seasoned (and seared, if you chose to) pork chops on top of the potato and onion mixture. Make sure they sit nicely to soak up all that delicious flavor.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and choose your cooking time! Cook on low for 6-7 hours for super tender chops, or on high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a bit more of a hurry. Either way, you want the pork to be cooked through and the potatoes to be soft.
6. Optional Sauce Thickening:
If you like a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, take out a small amount of the liquid from the crock pot and mix it with cornstarch to make a slurry. Stir this back into the crock pot and re-cover. Let it cook for the remaining time so the sauce thickens up nicely!
7. Serving It Up:
Once everything is cooked, serve the pork chops and potatoes on plates, spooning some of the delicious cooking juices over the top. Enjoy your hearty and easy crock pot meal! It’s comfort food at its best!
This recipe results in mouthwatering, flavorful pork chops paired with tender potatoes, all effortlessly cooked in your crock pot. The combination of simple seasonings and slow cooking creates a delightful comfort meal that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops with Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops! Just make sure to add an extra hour of cooking time when using the crock pot on low or 30-45 minutes when cooking on high. Always ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even beef broth for a different flavor profile. Water with a pinch of salt can also work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on some richness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help keep the dish moist.
Can I Cook This Recipe Without Searing the Pork Chops?
Absolutely! Searing is optional, but it does enhance the flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, and your pork chops will still come out tender and delicious!
