This slow-cooked pork chop and potato dish is the epitome of comfort food. The pork chops become incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, while the potatoes soak up all the delicious flavors from the chicken broth and spices.
Perfectly seasoned with paprika and thyme, the pork chops are a savory delight, and the potatoes add a hearty touch that makes this meal both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this recipe is sure to impress everyone around the table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brown pork chops on both sides for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Layer potatoes and onion slices in the bottom of a crock pot.
- Place the browned pork chops on top of the potatoes and onions.
- Pour chicken broth over the pork chops and season everything with thyme and additional salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and the potatoes are soft.
- Serve the pork chops with the cooked potatoes and onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes: A Hearty Comfort Food Delight
When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a slow-cooked meal that brings together tender meat and hearty vegetables. Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes is a recipe that does just that—effortlessly combining the rich flavors of pork with the soft, savory goodness of potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering, this dish requires minimal prep time and lets the slow cooker do all the hard work.
The magic of this recipe lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the long, slow cooking process. The pork chops become melt-in-your-mouth tender as they cook low and slow, absorbing all the flavors of the chicken broth and seasonings. The potatoes, onions, and other ingredients soak up the savory juices, creating a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Why Use a Crock Pot for Pork Chops?
Using a crock pot (or slow cooker) for this pork chop recipe is not only convenient but also a great way to achieve the perfect texture for the meat. When you cook pork chops in a slow cooker, the low, steady heat allows the fat in the meat to break down, which results in incredibly tender and juicy pork. Pork chops, especially bone-in cuts, can sometimes be tricky to cook perfectly on the stovetop or in the oven, often ending up dry. However, with a slow cooker, the moisture is locked in, ensuring a moist and flavorful outcome.
Slow cooking also gives the seasoning and broth time to fully penetrate the meat, making every bite bursting with flavor. This method of cooking is ideal for tougher cuts of meat, which benefit from the long cooking time. And the best part? You can set it and forget it! Just prep your ingredients, add them to the crock pot, and let it do the work while you go about your day.
The Versatility of the Dish
One of the reasons Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes is such a fantastic meal is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. If you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to add in some heavy cream or sour cream at the end of the cooking time to create a creamy sauce. If you’re looking to make the dish more hearty, you can add extra vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or even mushrooms.
Additionally, the seasoning can be adjusted based on your preferences. If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the crock pot. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give the dish a subtle kick. The beauty of this recipe is that it allows for plenty of flexibility, while still delivering a delicious and comforting meal.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights and Special Occasions
Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes is the ultimate meal for busy individuals or families. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of ordering takeout or grabbing a quick and unhealthy meal. However, with a slow cooker, you can prepare a wholesome, homemade dish that requires very little active cooking time. Simply layer your ingredients, set the timer, and let the crock pot handle the rest.
What makes this dish even better is that it’s also ideal for larger gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a more formal meal, this recipe can easily be scaled up to accommodate more guests. You can double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker to ensure there’s enough for everyone to enjoy. This makes it an excellent choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or dinner parties.
Pairing Suggestions for Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes
When serving Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes, it’s essential to think about the other elements of the meal. While this dish is hearty enough on its own, you may want to complement it with lighter sides to balance the richness of the pork and potatoes.
A fresh, crisp salad is an excellent pairing. Consider serving a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pork chops. Alternatively, a tangy coleslaw can add a crunchy, zesty contrast to the dish. You could also serve roasted vegetables or steamed greens like broccoli or green beans for an added boost of color and nutrition.
If you’re craving something a bit more indulgent, a side of warm, buttered rolls or cornbread will pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of the pork and potatoes. The bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining broth or sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
Tips for Success with Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes
To ensure your Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes come out perfectly every time, keep a few tips in mind:
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Brown the Pork Chops First: While this step is optional, it helps develop a deeper flavor. Browning the pork chops in a skillet before placing them in the crock pot adds a layer of caramelized goodness that enhances the overall taste.
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Use Bone-In Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for slow cooking because the bone helps to keep the meat moist and tender. Boneless chops can work too, but they may dry out more quickly during the long cooking process.
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Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re using a larger cut of meat or more vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker. The ingredients need room to cook evenly and properly.
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Layering Ingredients: When adding the ingredients to the crock pot, layer them with the potatoes and onions at the bottom, followed by the pork chops on top. This allows the meat to cook evenly while the vegetables absorb the flavors from the broth.
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Let It Rest: Once the cooking time is over, allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to redistribute the juices within the meat, ensuring it stays tender.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and the slow cooking method can result in a meal that’s packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it an ideal solution for busy cooks.
So, next time you’re looking for a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out, give Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes a try. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, providing tender pork chops and flavorful potatoes in every bite.