These tender pork chops are slow-cooked to perfection in a creamy garlic and parmesan sauce. The rich flavors will warm your heart and leave your taste buds happy!
Honestly, the sauce is so good that you’ll want to pour it on everything! I love serving these chops over rice or pasta to soak up every drop. Enjoy your dinner adventure! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops work best here for flavor and tenderness. If you only have boneless chops, they’re a fine substitute. Just reduce cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brightens the sauce, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 4 cloves of minced garlic.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for its rich flavor. If you’re in a bind, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute; it’s slightly sharper. Pre-grated cheese is fine, but it won’t melt as smoothly.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Just know that the sauce won’t be as rich, but still tasty!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Searing Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops is crucial for infusing flavor into the dish. If you’re unsure how to get the perfect sear, follow these tips:
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the oil. This creates a nice brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Too many chops at once drop the skillet temperature.
- Once you flip them, avoid pressing down on the chops. This releases juices that keep them moist.
Taking these steps will ensure your pork chops are flavorful and juicy, which complements the creamy sauce perfectly!
Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and cook time varies from 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. The hands-on time is quick, and you can walk away while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning each pork chop generously with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano on both sides. Make sure every bit is coated so they’re flavor-packed!
2. Sear the Pork Chops (Optional):
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step enhances the flavor, but if you’re short on time, feel free to skip it!
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Once seared, carefully transfer the pork chops to your slow cooker, laying them flat in a single layer for even cooking.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet where you seared the chops, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom; this adds lots of flavor.
5. Combine the Cream Mixture:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be sure everything is well combined!
6. Pour Over the Chops:
Now, take this wonderful creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and pour it over the pork chops in the slow cooker, making sure they’re well covered.
7. Cook the Pork Chops:
Cover the slow cooker lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the pork chops to be tender and fully cooked through! The longer you cook on low, the more tender they’ll be.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If, by the end of cooking, you find the sauce is a bit too thin for your liking, remove the pork chops. Stir in the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken it up.
9. Final Touches:
Return the pork chops back into the thickened creamy sauce and give everything a gentle stir. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley right before serving to add color and freshness.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious slow cooker pork chops warm over a bed of pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes, ensuring to ladle on that irresistible garlic Parmesan sauce. Your meal is ready to be enjoyed!
This dish brings comfort food to a new level with its rich flavors and tender meat! Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Enjoy! 😊
FAQ for Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork chops if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly since boneless chops cook faster, usually around 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich, but it’ll still have plenty of flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the pork chops with the sauce! Just let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
