This Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes is a comforting dish that cooks itself while you relax. Juicy pork chops and tender potatoes come together in a tasty sauce!
What I love most is that it’s a no-fuss meal. Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the magic. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something warm and hearty!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops have great flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, boneless chops work too, but watch the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Potatoes: I use baby red potatoes because they’re creamy and hold their shape well. You can swap them for Yukon gold or russet potatoes, but russets may break down slightly.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness, but yellow onions or sweet onions can be used for a milder taste. Shallots can be a fun alternative too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal for flavor, but garlic powder in a pinch can also work. Just reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon!
Chicken Broth: Instead of chicken broth, feel free to use vegetable broth for a meat-free version, or even water if you’re in a bind.
How Do I Get the Pork Chops Perfectly Seared?
Searing adds flavor and a lovely color to your pork chops before slow cooking. Follow these steps for best results:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high. Add olive oil to coat the pan.
- When the oil shimmers, gently lay the pork chops in the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sear!
- Sear for 2-3 minutes or until a golden crust forms, then flip and repeat.
Letting the chops rest after searing helps keep them juicy when they’re cooked in the crock pot.
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 lbs baby red potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
For Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For the Broth:
- 1 cup chicken broth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for cooking. Perfect to set and forget while you do other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the dried thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This will add delicious flavor to your pork chops!
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop. Make sure to coat them well to enhance the flavor.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step gives them a great flavor! Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Arrange the Vegetables:
In your crock pot, add the halved potatoes, sliced onions, and whole garlic cloves. Spread them out evenly so everything cooks nicely.
5. Add the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes and onions. This will keep everything moist and full of flavor.
6. Combine Everything:
Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes and veggies in the crock pot. Don’t worry about them being covered; they will cook perfectly on top.
7. Cook:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
8. Serve:
Once finished, carefully remove the pork chops and potatoes from the crock pot. Serve them hot, drizzling a bit of the delicious broth over the top for extra flavor.
Enjoy this effortless, hearty meal perfect for any day!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops?
While it’s best to use thawed pork chops for even cooking, you can use frozen chops if needed. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour on low, and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water. Just keep in mind that using broth will add more flavor to the dish!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent dryness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, green beans, or bell peppers to the crock pot. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking!
