These tender pork chops cooked in a slow cooker are packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor. They get super juicy and delicious as they simmer all day!
Honestly, I love how easy this recipe is. Just season, pop them in the slow cooker, and relax! Serve with some mashed potatoes, and you’re all set for a cozy meal. 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are perfect here for richness and flavor, but boneless chops work great too! Just adjust the cooking time slightly since boneless chops cook faster.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon) if you’re in a pinch. Just add it when you’re making the sauce.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half. However, the sauce may not be as rich. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, but pre-grated works too. If you’re vegan, consider using nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute!
Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth is best to control saltiness. You can swap this for vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Searing Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops first adds a delicious crust and locks in juices. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet. Wait until the olive oil shimmers before adding the chops.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed to ensure even searing.
- Leave the chops alone for 2-3 minutes per side before flipping. This helps get that nice golden color.
Perfectly seared chops help create a mouthwatering meal! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Just set it and forget it while it simmers away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they have a lovely golden-brown crust. Once done, take them out of the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious aroma. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to mix everything together and to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
4. Add the Seasonings:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, basil, and oregano. Let this mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and thicken slightly.
5. (Optional) Thicken the Sauce:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
6. Slow Cook the Chops:
Transfer the seared pork chops into your slow cooker, and then pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over them, making sure they are well coated.
7. Simmer:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they are done cooking, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the pork chops topped with that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, alongside delicious sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies.
Enjoy your tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops! They’re sure to become a favorite in your household!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used; just remember they’ll cook a bit faster, so check for doneness around 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch for thickness. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and sear the pork chops a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge, then combine and cook in the slow cooker the following day.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
