Crock Pot Pork Chops I Can’t Stop Making

Hey there! So, last weekend, I had one of those days where I just couldn’t deal with standing over the stove forever, you know? We’ve all been there, right? The solution: my trusty crock pot pork chops. I’ve been making these for years—actually, ever since I found myself in a cooking rut and needed something easy yet delicious to shake things up. And, let me tell you, these chops are like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, they make your kitchen smell like heaven while you’re off doing more important things (like binge-watching your favorite show).

Why You’ll Love This

I whip up these pork chops whenever I need a no-fuss meal that pleases everyone. My family goes wild for them because they’re tender, juicy, and have that ‘cooked-all-day’ richness that only a crock pot can provide. (Though if I’m honest, sometimes I wish they’d enjoy them just a tad less so there’d be leftovers!) But seriously, this dish is a lifesaver when you don’t want to spend your whole afternoon in the kitchen but still crave something homemade and comforting.

You’ll Need These Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops (bone-in works too, just adjust the cook time a bit)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water if you’re out; I’ve done it, and it’s still tasty)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey (maple syrup is a great sub if you’re feeling fancy)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or a teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika is fine too, but the smoked adds a little extra something)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

1. First, grab your crock pot—obviously—and place the pork chops inside. Don’t worry if they overlap a bit; it’s all good.
2. In a bowl, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and onion. Pour it over the chops. (This is where I usually sneak a little taste—just to make sure it’s perfect!)
3. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the top. Give it a little stir if you feel like it, but honestly, I often just let it be.
4. Set your crock pot on low and forget about it for 6-7 hours, or until the pork chops are tender. Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage—it always does!
5. Once it’s done, serve it up with some of that delicious sauce drizzled over the top. Yum!

Some Extra Notes

I once tried adding some sliced mushrooms into the mix, thinking it would be a great idea. They ended up a bit mushy for my taste, so maybe skip that unless you’re a big mushroom fan. Also, if you find the sauce too salty, a splash of lemon juice can brighten things up.

Variations and Experiments

So, one time I thought it would be clever to add apple slices to give it a sweet and savory twist. Nope! It turned into a mushy mess. But, swapping the honey for brown sugar did work out nicely—just adds a different kind of sweetness.

Got the Gear?

If your crock pot’s out of commission, you can totally use an oven-safe dish and bake it covered at about 300°F for a couple of hours. Not quite the same, but it works in a pinch.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. But honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!

How to Serve It Up

I usually serve these pork chops with mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s a bit of a tradition around here. Or you could go all-out comfort food and pair it with mac ‘n’ cheese. Why not, right?

Some Pro Tips

Don’t try to rush this dish by cranking the crock pot to high. I made that mistake once and ended up with tough chops. Low and slow is the way to go—trust me on this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with frozen pork chops? Uh, I wouldn’t recommend it. Thaw them first; otherwise, they might cook unevenly.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika or even a pinch of cumin can work. Just adds a different twist!

Can I add vegetables to this dish? Sure, try adding potatoes or carrots—they hold up better than mushrooms did for me!

Is there a vegetarian version? Well, not exactly with pork chops, but you could try a similar sauce with tofu or jackfruit!