Slow cooker pork chops are the kind of meal that makes dinner feel easy. You get juicy, tender meat with minimal effort, and the kitchen smells amazing for hours. This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have and turns them into a cozy, satisfying dinner.

It’s great for busy weeknights, but it’s also nice enough for a Sunday meal. If you’ve ever had dry pork chops, this method will change your mind.

Why This Recipe Works

Slow cooking is gentle, which keeps pork chops moist and tender. The sauce—made with onions, broth, and a touch of seasoning—adds flavor without being fussy or heavy.

A quick sear before they go into the slow cooker boosts browning and locks in juices. And because the sauce thickens slightly as it cooks, you end up with a flavorful gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice. It’s simple, reliable, and consistently delicious.

Tasty top view of slow cooker pork chops

Shopping List

Bone-in pork chops (4 chops, about 1-inch thick)
Yellow onion (1 large, thinly sliced)
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Chicken broth (1 cup; low-sodium preferred)
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon)
Soy sauce (1 teaspoon; low-sodium if desired)
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
Brown sugar or maple syrup (1 tablespoon)
Paprika (1 teaspoon; smoked or sweet)
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
Kosher salt (to taste; start with 1 teaspoon)
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional for thickening)
Olive oil or butter (1–2 tablespoons for searing)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Season the chops: Pat pork chops dry.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
Sear for flavor: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high. Sear pork chops 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Don’t cook through—just color.
Transfer to a plate.
Layer the base: Add the sliced onions to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the garlic.
Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk chicken broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, Dijon, and brown sugar or maple. Pour over onions.
Load the cooker: Nestle pork chops on top of the onions.
Spoon some liquid over the chops.
Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until tender but not falling apart.
Optional gravy: Remove chops to rest. Stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Whisk into the sauce, cover, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish and serve: Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Return chops to warm through. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

How to Store

Let leftovers cool, then store pork chops with sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to keep them juicy. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth if needed.

Benefits of This Recipe

Hands-off cooking: Minimal prep and the slow cooker does the rest.
Reliable tenderness: The low heat helps prevent dry, tough chops.
Weeknight-friendly: Simple ingredients and easy steps.
Great leftovers: The sauce keeps the pork moist, even when reheated.
Budget-friendly: Pork chops are often more affordable than other proteins.

What Not to Do

Don’t skip seasoning: You need salt and spices for depth.
Don’t overcook: Even in a slow cooker, pork can dry out.
Check for doneness near the minimum time.
Don’t stack without onions: The onion layer keeps the chops off the bottom and adds moisture.
Don’t use thin chops: Very thin chops cook too fast and can turn stringy. Aim for around 1 inch thick.
Don’t drown in liquid: You need enough broth to cover the onions and come partway up the chops—no need to submerge.

Alternatives

Boneless pork chops: Use thicker cuts and reduce time slightly; start checking at 4–5 hours on LOW.
Creamy version: Stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half after cooking, then thicken.
Mushroom twist: Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
Apple-onion combo: Add 1 sliced apple (like Honeycrisp) for a touch of sweetness that pairs well with pork.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure broth is gluten-free.
Spice swap: Try Italian seasoning instead of thyme, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
No cornstarch: Reduce some sauce in a pan on the stovetop to thicken naturally.

FAQ’s For Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Can I put raw pork chops in the slow cooker without searing?

Yes, you can. Searing adds flavor and color, but the recipe will still work if you skip that step. If skipping, don’t change the cook time and make sure to keep the onions underneath to protect the meat.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

They should be tender and reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. In a slow cooker, you’re looking for tender, not shreddable. If they start to fall apart, they’re overcooked.

Can I use pork loin or tenderloin instead?

Pork tenderloin isn’t ideal for long slow cooking. A small pork loin roast can work, but you’ll need to adjust time and slice after cooking. For this recipe, bone-in chops are best.

What sides go well with these pork chops?

Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, white or brown rice, roasted green beans, or a simple salad are all great. The sauce is especially good over starchy sides.

My sauce is too thin. What should I do?

Whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) into the hot sauce and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes. Or simmer the sauce in a pan to reduce.

Can I prep this the night before?

Yes. Season and sear the chops, slice onions, and mix the sauce. Store everything separately in the fridge. In the morning, load the slow cooker and start it.

Will boneless chops dry out?

They can if they’re thin. Use thicker boneless chops and check early. Bone-in chops are more forgiving for slow cooking.

Is it okay to cook on HIGH the whole time?

Yes, but keep it to around 2.5–3 hours. Cooking longer on HIGH can lead to dryness. LOW gives a more tender, even result.

Final Thoughts

Juicy slow cooker pork chops are the kind of comfort food that never disappoints.

With a few pantry staples and a bit of patience, you get tender meat and a savory sauce that tastes like you worked much harder than you did. Make it once, and it’ll become a reliable go-to. Keep it simple or add your own twist—either way, dinner’s handled.