These Slow Cooker Pork Chops are a tasty treat, smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce! Just set it, forget it, and come back to a melt-in-your-mouth meal. Yum!
Cooking them in a slow cooker makes them super tender, perfect for a family dinner. I love serving them with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that luscious sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops help keep the meat juicy and tender while cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try boneless pork chops or pork loin, although they may cook a bit faster.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps achieve a nice sear on the pork. If you’re out, feel free to use canola oil or butter instead. However, butter can burn more easily, so keep an eye on the heat!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a wonderful aroma and taste. While fresh is best, you can substitute garlic powder or use jarred minced garlic in a pinch. Just use less, as it’s more concentrated.
Heavy Cream: This is essential for a rich sauce. If you want something lighter, you could substitute half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream. Just remember that the sauce may be less thick and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Grated Pecorino Romano is a great substitute, or you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, which gives a slightly cheesy taste.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Seared Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops is important because it builds flavor through caramelization. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Start with a hot skillet. Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Season your pork chops with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet carefully, avoiding overcrowding—searing in batches is okay.
- Sear for about 3-4 minutes without moving them to develop that golden crust.
- Flip them and repeat on the other side. They should be nicely browned by this point.
Taking the time to sear adds so much flavor to the dish! This step is worth it, even if you want to go straight to the slow cooker. Enjoy your cooking!
Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take you about 15 minutes to prep and 6 to 7 hours to cook in the slow cooker on low, or 3 to 4 hours if you choose to cook it on high. Perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm and savory meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning your pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. This gives them great flavor right from the beginning!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned pork chops and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds delicious flavor and a nice crust to your chops. After searing, remove them from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh thyme until everything is well combined. This rich and creamy sauce will be the star of the dish!
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Place the seared pork chops into the slow cooker and pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the top, ensuring each chop is nicely coated.
5. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the pork chops are tender and reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Enjoy the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen!
6. Finish the Sauce:
Once the pork chops are done cooking, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and set aside. If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can switch the slow cooker to high and cook with the lid off for about 15-20 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the pork chops and drizzle the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over the top. Make it pretty by garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they will cook more quickly than bone-in chops, so check their internal temperature after about 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low to ensure they don’t dry out.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’d like to lighten the sauce, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute, but be aware this may change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add veggies like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the slow cooker alongside the pork chops. Just make sure they’re cut into uniform sizes and adjust the cooking time slightly if you add a lot of additional veggies to ensure they’re tender by the end of cooking.
