Hey there! Today, we’re making super tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork chops in the crockpot—without using any canned cream soup! This is a clean, wholesome, and family-friendly recipe that’s loaded with flavor. It’s perfect for busy days because you can set it, forget it, and come back to a meal that feels like you put in so much effort (but you didn’t!). Even picky eaters will love how juicy and delicious these pork chops turn out. Ready to make dinner easy and stress-free? Let’s do this!
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for this comforting dish:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro Tips
- Sear the pork chops before adding them to the crockpot. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and helps lock in the juices.
- Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and tenderness, but boneless chops work great too!
- If you’re serving picky eaters, blend the onions into the gravy before serving for a smoother texture.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry! It makes the gravy thick and luscious, perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes.
- Keep the seasoning light for kids, but feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat if you like it spicy.
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Large skillet (for searing)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small whisk or fork (for mixing the slurry)
Substitutions & Variations
- Pork chops: Swap for chicken thighs or breasts if that’s what you have on hand.
- Chicken broth: Use vegetable or beef broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or flour will work for thickening if you don’t have cornstarch.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Make Ahead Tips
- Slice the onion and prep the garlic the night before.
- Mix the seasoning in a small bowl so it’s ready to go in the morning.
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Pork Chops
Rub the pork chops with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the seared pork chops on top, then pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle the dried thyme over everything.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the crockpot and keep them warm. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour it into the crockpot, stirring to combine. Turn the crockpot to high and let the sauce thicken for 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the pork chops with the onion gravy spooned over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite veggies. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like!
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover pork chops and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the gravy thickens too much in the fridge.
Conclusion
There you have it—easy, flavorful, and comforting crockpot pork chops without the cream soup! This is one of those recipes that feels like a big hug on a plate. Your family is going to love it, and it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. If you give this recipe a try, let me know in the comments how it turned out or if you have any questions—I’d love to hear from you! ❤️
