Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops are the ultimate comfort food, effortlessly combining tender, boneless pork chops with a rich, flavorful gravy. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s popular recipe, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, especially when served over creamy mashed potatoes. If you’re a fan of easy, delicious meals, this Pioneer Woman crock pot pork chops recipe is a must-try.
This recipe takes the classic appeal of pork chops and elevates it with the ease of slow cooking. By searing the pork chops before they go into the crock pot, you lock in the juices and create a beautiful golden crust, adding depth of flavor to the final dish. This simple step makes all the difference, setting Pioneer Woman’s version apart and ensuring your pork chops are incredibly tender and flavorful.
Why Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops are a Must-Try
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her approachable and delicious home-style cooking. Her recipes are loved for their simplicity and hearty flavors, and these crock pot pork chops are no exception. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday suppers, offering minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor.
What makes this recipe stand out?
- Effortless Slow Cooking: The crock pot does most of the work, resulting in incredibly tender pork chops with minimal effort.
- Rich and Flavorful Gravy: The combination of cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce creates a luscious gravy that perfectly complements the pork.
- Searing for Enhanced Flavor: Searing the pork chops before slow cooking adds a layer of caramelized flavor and seals in moisture, ensuring juicy and delicious results.
- Versatile and Comforting: Serve these pork chops over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Pioneer Woman Approved: Inspired by a trusted culinary icon, you know this recipe is a winner.
Even though I’ve previously made slow cooker pork chops, Pioneer Woman’s method of searing the chops first truly elevates the dish. While skipping the searing step is convenient, taking the extra few minutes to sear makes a noticeable difference in both texture and flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the minimal effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pork Chops:
- Boneless Pork Chops: 8 boneless pork loin chops, about 1-inch thick. Boneless chops are recommended for even cooking and tenderness in the crock pot.
- Flour: ½ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging the pork chops and creating a light crust.
- Seasoned Salt: ½ teaspoon, adds a savory base flavor.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall seasoning.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): ¼ teaspoon, for a subtle kick of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Dried Thyme Leaves: ½ teaspoon, adds a touch of earthy, herbal flavor. Fresh thyme sprigs are also used later in the slow cooker.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing the pork chops.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon, butter adds richness and flavor to the searing process.
For the Gravy and Slow Cooker:
- Large Onion: 1 large onion, diced. Sautéed onions add sweetness and depth to the gravy.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can. This forms the creamy base of the gravy. Cream of chicken soup can be substituted if preferred.
- Chicken Broth: 1 ¼ cups, adds moisture and flavor to the gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 3 tablespoons, provides a savory umami depth to the gravy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops
Follow these simple steps to create delicious and tender Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops:
1. Prepare the Dredge: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and dried thyme leaves. Mix well to ensure all seasonings are evenly distributed.
2. Dredge the Pork Chops: Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour to prevent the coating from becoming too thick. Set the dredged pork chops aside on a plate.
3. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the pork chops in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing creates a flavorful crust and locks in the juices. Remove the seared pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onions. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until softened and slightly translucent. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sautéing the onions beforehand enhances their flavor and texture in the slow cooker.
5. Prepare the Crock Pot Gravy: In a 6-quart or 8-quart slow cooker, combine the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the base of the rich and flavorful gravy.
6. Assemble the Crock Pot: Add the sautéed onions and fresh thyme sprigs to the gravy in the slow cooker. Nestle the seared pork chops into the gravy mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
7. Slow Cook the Pork Chops: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 1 hour. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2 hours. Cooking on high initially helps to quickly bring the pork chops up to temperature, while the low setting ensures they become incredibly tender without drying out.
8. Serve and Enjoy: After slow cooking, the pork chops should be incredibly tender and easily pull apart. The gravy will be thick and rich. Serve the Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or your favorite side dish. Spoon the gravy generously over the pork chops and sides.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Don’t Skip Searing: While it’s an extra step, searing the pork chops is crucial for flavor and texture. It creates a beautiful crust and locks in moisture, resulting in juicier and more flavorful pork chops.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy before adding the pork chops and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Thicken Gravy (Optional): The gravy should thicken naturally during slow cooking. However, if you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use Bone-In Pork Chops (Optional): While the recipe calls for boneless pork chops, you can also use bone-in pork chops. Bone-in chops may require slightly longer cooking time and can add even more flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Pork chops are done when they are fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the quintessential side dish for pork chops and gravy.
- Egg Noodles: Serve over buttered egg noodles for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are great options for soaking up the delicious gravy.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Creamy Polenta or Grits: For a twist, serve over creamy polenta or grits for a different texture and flavor profile.
For variations, consider:
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra mushroom flavor in the gravy.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Pork Chops
Store leftover Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
- Skillet: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.
- Oven: Reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors of Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Pork Chops – a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
