These easy crock pot pork chops and potatoes are a warm and comforting meal. The pork chops become super tender while cooking along with soft and tasty potatoes.
I love tossing everything into the crock pot and letting it do all the work! It’s a simple dinner that makes the house smell amazing, and there’s barely any cleanup—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for this dish since the bone adds flavor. If you don’t have them, feel free to use boneless chops, but they may cook a bit faster, so check them earlier.
Potatoes: Baby red potatoes hold up well in the crock pot, becoming tender without falling apart. If you have russet or Yukon gold potatoes, those work too! Just cut them into larger chunks to ensure they don’t turn mushy.
Onion and Garlic: These two ingredients add a lot of flavor. You can swap the onion for shallots or use onion powder in a pinch. Instead of fresh garlic, garlic powder works too—about 1 teaspoon would do.
Broth: Chicken broth is the base for cooking everything together. If you want a lighter option, low-sodium broth is great. Vegetable broth can be used if you prefer a meat-free option.
How Do You Get Juicy Pork Chops in the Crock Pot?
To keep your pork chops juicy and flavorful, the process starts with searing them. This step adds a nice crust and locks in moisture.
- Season the pork chops on both sides.
- Heat oil in a skillet, and when it’s hot, carefully add the pork chops.
- Sear until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes each side. This adds depth of flavor!
Once you’re ready to cook in the crock pot, layering is important. Put the potatoes and onions on the bottom, and then place the seared pork chops on top. This ensures even cooking and keeps the chops moist as they cook in the broth.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1.5 pounds baby red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time to season and sear the pork chops, plus 6-7 hours of cooking time on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. It’s a hands-off meal that makes dinner super easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops. Use salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried parsley to give them plenty of flavor. This step is key for making sure your pork chops taste delicious!
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This locks in moisture and flavor. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sautéing Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, you can add the butter, if you’re using it. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until the onions start to soften and the garlic is fragrant. This will add even more flavor to your dish!
4. Layering in the Crock Pot:
Now it’s time to layer everything in the crock pot! Start by placing the halved or quartered potatoes at the bottom. Then, spread the sautéed onions and garlic evenly over the potatoes.
5. Adding the Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes and onions. This will help everything cook down nicely and keep the pork chops moist.
6. Final Assembly:
Carefully arrange the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes in the crock pot. Make sure they’re nestled in there well, but don’t stir just yet!
7. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The pork chops should become tender and the potatoes thoroughly cooked by the end of this time.
8. Optional Thickening Sauce:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, once everything is cooked, remove the pork chops and potatoes from the crock pot. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir this into the remaining liquid. Cook on HIGH with the lid off for about 15 minutes until thickened.
9. Serving It Up:
Serve the pork chops hot along with the potatoes and spoon some of the flavorful sauce over everything. Enjoy your comforting meal!
This easy crock pot recipe is all about convenience and yummy flavors. Perfect for a busy day when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes
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 them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker method. Make sure they’re fully thawed and season them before searing.
What If I Don’t Have Baby Red Potatoes?
No problem! You can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or russets. Just be sure to cut them into larger chunks to prevent them from falling apart while cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Cooking Oil?
Yes, you can skip the oil if you prefer! While the oil helps with searing and flavor, you can use a non-stick pan or skip the searing step altogether. Just place the seasoned pork chops directly into the crock pot; they may not have that crispy edge, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep everything moist.
