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    The Life Jolie » Main/Entree » Fall Apart Slow Cooker Pork Chops

    Fall Apart Slow Cooker Pork Chops

    Published: Jan 4, 2023 · Modified: Jan 25, 2023 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Say goodbye to dry and tough pork chops: these Smothered Crock Pot Pork Chops are the ultimate fall-apart tender comfort food. With just 4 ingredients, this easy dinner will be your new go-to dump dinner!

    Say goodbye to dry and tough pork chops: these fall apart slow cooker pork chops are the ultimate fall-apart tender comfort food. With just 3 main ingredients, this easy dinner will be your new go-to dump dinner for busy weeknights!

    Crock pot pork chops and gravy on a white plate with mashed potatoes and broccoli in the background.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love Smothered Crock Pot Pork Chops:
    • Ingredient information and substitutions
    • How To Make Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Helpful Cooking Tips:
    • Other Delicious Pork Chop Recipes To Try
    • Fall Apart Slow Cooker Pork Chops

    Why You’ll Love Smothered Crock Pot Pork Chops:

    A while back, I did a series featuring dump-and-go recipes called Dump It ‘Til It’s Hot. It was all about delicious food with minimal prep, no pre-cooking, the ability to freeze for a great make-ahead meal. And this recipe checks allllll those boxes!

    This 3 ingredient crock pot pork chops recipe is one I’ve been making for a while. You throw a few ingredients into the crock pot (or instant pot!) and let it do the rest of the work for you. And the results are fall-apart-tender pork chops with a stick-to-your bones gravy that the whole family will go nuts for- just like mine does! Here’s what I love about this cozy dinner:

    • There are really only 3 main ingredients
    • It’s SO easy to make
    • Dump-and-go recipe
    • Perfect to make ahead and freeze 
    • It cooks all day in the slow cooker
    • Meat so tender, it falls apart
    A close up image of gravy and pork chops in the crock pot.

    Ingredient information and substitutions

    • Pork Chops- I typically use boneless pork chops for this, but bone-in pork chops work really well too.
    • Onion Soup Mix- I use a Lipton Onion Soup packet for this recipe- it’s packed with savory and delicious flavor.
    • Low-Sodium Broth- I typically use beef broth for added richness of flavor, but I’ve made this many times with low-sodium chicken broth as well and it’s been just as delicious. The big thing is make sure you use a low sodium broth, because the onion soup mix is pretty salty to begin with, so the low sodium-broth balances it all out. If you accidentally buy full sodium broth, just add ½-¾ cup of water to the broth before adding it to your crock pot.
    • Optional add-in-  While this is not a requirement, I love to thicken the broth with a slurry of equal parts cornstarch and water to make a gravy. I will typically strain the juices first, but you don’t have to.
    A close up image of a smothered pork chop and gravy on mashed potatoes.

    How To Make Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

    Step 1- Place the pork chops into the pot.

    Place all pork chops into the bottom of the pot. Note: In this photo, I had halved pork chops in this recipe- there would normally be 4 chops.

    Two boneless pork chops in a crockpot.

    Step 2- Sprinkle with onion soup mix.

    Sprinkle the packet of onion soup mix evenly over all the pork chops.

    Boneless pork chops in a slow cooker with onion soup mix sprinkled over them.

    Step 3- Pour broth into the pot.

    Pour the broth evenly over the pork chops.

    Broth being poured over pork chops in a crockpot.

    Step 4- Cover and cook.

    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours.

    Pork chops in a slow cooker with the cover on it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the secret to making tender pork chops?

    The key is to cook them low and slow. The combination of the low heat and long cooking time helps the meat break down and get super tender. If you pull them too early, they will be tough.

    Do I need to add liquid to slow cooker pork?

    This recipe needs the liquid to help keep the pork chops tender.

    Can I make this recipe with frozen pork chops?

    Yes you can! While I wouldn’t recommend putting a larger cut of meat into the slow cooker frozen solid, individual-size pork chops in a crock pot work great! You do not need to change anything about the recipe.

    Do you brown pork before putting in crockpot?

    Nope! There’s no need, just throw the ingredients into the pot and let the slow cooker do the rest!

    Should I salt and pepper the pork chops?

    No- the onion soup mix has plenty of seasoning, so adding additional salt and pepper will make it too salty.

    Should pork be cooked on high or low in slow cooker?

    This recipe will work for 8 hours on low or 6 hours on high. Both results are delicious but I find the low to be slightly more tender.

    Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

    You definitely can! Follow the same directions and then cook on manual high pressure for 20 minutes. Do a 15 minute natural pressure release and then serve.

    A fork with a fall apart tender bite of pork on it.

    Helpful Cooking Tips:

    • Be sure to use low sodium broth- the onion soup seasoning has a good amount of sodium and I’ve found that using the full sodium broth makes it a bit too salty.
    • You don’t even have to stir the ingredients when you place them in the pot- just place the pork chops in, sprinkle with onion soup seasoning and pour the broth over the top of it all and cover the pot!
    • How to make gravy from pork chops- This is optional but delicious. Just before serving, strain the juices and thicken over medium heat with a slurry of equal parts water and cornstarch (start with a tablespoon or two of both and start small).This will make a delicious gravy!
    • What to serve with crock pot pork chops and gravy- I love it with mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli.
    • Leftovers and Storage- Leftovers last for up to 4 days covered in the refrigerator. They reheat beautifully in the microwave in individual servings.
    An image of a smothered pork pon a plate with the meat in the front shredded up.

    Other Delicious Pork Chop Recipes To Try

    • Maple Dijon Grilled Pork Chop Marinade
    • Breaded Pork Chops (Pork Cutlets)
    • Pork Stew
    • Drunken Stove Top Pork Chops

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!

    Crock pot pork chops and gravy on a white plate with mashed potatoes and broccoli in the background.

    Fall Apart Slow Cooker Pork Chops

    Jessy Freimann
    Say goodbye to dry and tough pork chops: these fall apart slow cooker pork chops are the ultimate fall-apart tender comfort food. With just 3 main ingredients, this easy dinner will be your new go-to dump dinner for busy weeknights!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 5 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 pork chops
    Calories 15 kcal

    Equipment

    • slow. cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 regular-thick cut Boneless pork chops (not thin- bone-in also works)
    • 2 cups low sodium chicken or beef broth
    • 1 packet onion soup seasoning (I used Lipton brand)
    • 2-3 Tablespoons cornstarch optional
    • 2-3 Tablespoons water optional

    Instructions
     

    Slow Cooker Instructions

    • Place pork chops, broth and onion soup seasoning into slow cooker pot (or a zipper bag and freeze).
    • Cover and cook for around 8 hours on low.
    • Optional: Just before serving, strain juices and heat over medium in a small pan. Whisk equal parts corn starch and water together to form a slurry and slowly mix into the juices to thicken into a gravy. Serve immediately.

    Instant Pot Instructions

    • Place pork chops, broth and onion soup seasoning into slow cooker pot (or a zipper bag and freeze).
    • Cover with the gasket set to sealing. Set the instant pot to high pressure for 20 minutes.
    • Once the cooking time is up, do a 15 minute natural release and then remove the cover.
    • Turn off the instant pot and turn it to the saute setting.
    • Optional: Whisk together the corn starch and water and pour into the pot. Stir to combine and simmer for a couple minutes until thickened. Serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    • Be sure to use low sodium broth- the onion soup seasoning has a good amount of sodium and I’ve found that using the full sodium broth makes it a bit too salty.
    • You don’t even have to stir the ingredients when you place them in the pot- just place the pork chops in, sprinkle with onion soup seasoning and pour the broth over the top of it all and cover the pot!
    • How to make gravy from pork chops- This is optional but delicious. Just before serving, strain the juices and thicken over medium heat with a slurry of equal parts water and cornstarch (start with a tablespoon or two of both and start small).This will make a delicious gravy!
    • What to serve with crock pot pork chops and gravy- I love it with mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli.
    • Leftovers and Storage- Leftovers last for up to 4 days covered in the refrigerator. They reheat beautifully in the microwave in individual servings.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1pork chopCalories: 15kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0.01gFat: 0.003gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 0.1mgFiber: 0.04gCalcium: 0.3mgIron: 0.02mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Comments

    1. CJ Huang @ Morsels of Life says

      August 25, 2016 at 2:40 pm

      I'm definitely always on the search for those easy recipes that don't require much hands on time! This one looks delicious. :)
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        August 30, 2016 at 9:43 am

        Thank you- this is definitely one of them- enjoy!
        Reply
    2. Dee says

      August 28, 2016 at 3:11 am

      This sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        August 30, 2016 at 9:36 am

        Thank you!
        Reply
    3. Daniel says

      November 15, 2016 at 7:53 pm

      Made this today for my fiancé. Was a little worried about the 8-10 hours cook time, but the chops were fall-off-the-bone. So good!! Excellent gravy, too! Thanks for the suggestion.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        November 16, 2016 at 9:01 am

        I'm so glad you loved it! The first time I cooked it that long was an accident- I we were all running late after a busy day at work. I was so nervous that dinner was ruined but once I tasted it, I started cooking it that long every time because it was even more tender! Thank you for sharing your feedback!
        Reply
    4. Whittney says

      December 18, 2016 at 9:27 am

      This will probably be a silly question, but where did you find the onion soup seasoing? I'm hoping to try this tomorrow. It looks delicious!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        December 18, 2016 at 10:39 am

        Not a silly question at all- they have these dried soup mixes in the section of my grocery store where the canned soups and stocks live. I hope you love it!
        Reply
    5. Tami says

      March 14, 2018 at 10:28 am

      Can I add 1 packet of dried ranch seasoning to this along with onion soup mix?
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        March 14, 2018 at 10:52 am

        I haven't tested it but I'm sure you could. My only concern is that it could be a bit salty with both packets but it's worth a try. Please let me know how it turns out, I love the idea of the ranch flavor!
        Reply
    6. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

      February 04, 2019 at 2:58 pm

      I usually manage to turn pork chops into shoe leather, so this will be right up my alley!
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        February 04, 2019 at 5:07 pm

        Me too- but these always come out tender!
        Reply
    7. Jersey Girl Cooks says

      February 06, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      What a great dinner! Such good and easy comfort food.
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        February 06, 2019 at 11:05 pm

        Thanks so much!
        Reply
    8. Jennifer Reiman says

      April 17, 2019 at 5:27 pm

      I set the Crock-Pot to high without realizing it they've been in for about 5 hours are they going to be tough or rubbery I changed it low I'm afraid I may have ruined it.
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        April 18, 2019 at 4:45 pm

        Probably not but I'd change it to low and reduce the cooking time. It looks like this comment came in yesterday- I hope this turned out ok!
        Reply
    9. Valerie says

      March 05, 2020 at 2:43 pm

      Hi I really want to try this recipe for my boy friend's birthday tonight but I just came across this idea and I don't have 8 hours to cook can I turn up the crock pot and cook them in less time?
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        March 08, 2020 at 7:18 pm

        You can, but they may not be as tender.
        Reply

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