Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooked Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Slow Cooked Smothered Pork Chops recipe. The combination of tender pork chops, smoky bacon, and sweet onions creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.
I can’t help but smile when I think about how these ingredients blend together over hours in the slow cooker, resulting in a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice or mashed potatoes.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your home, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients of Slow Cooked Smothered Pork Chops
To whip up a batch of these deliciously comforting Slow Cooked Smothered Pork Chops, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. It’s amazing how just a few items can transform into a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to enjoy a cozy night in, these ingredients will come together to create a dish that’s sure to impress. So, let’s gather what you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped fine
- 6 pork chops, bone-in blade cut about 3/4 inch thick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 yellow onions, halved and sliced into 1/2 inch moons
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons thyme, minced
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon parsley, minced
Now, before you dash off to the store, let’s talk about some considerations regarding these ingredients. Using bone-in pork chops really helps to keep the meat juicy and tender during the long cooking process.
Trust me, you want that bone in there; it adds so much flavor. If you’re not a fan of yellow onions, you could swap them out for sweet onions or even shallots.
And, oh, that bacon? It’s not just for flavor; it contributes to the overall richness of the dish. Don’t skimp on the brown sugar, either—it balances out the savory notes beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooked Smothered Pork Chops
Ready to plunge into making some incredibly delicious Slow Cooked Smothered Pork Chops? Let’s do this. First things first—grab your 4 slices of bacon and chop them into fine pieces. Now, toss them into a large skillet over medium heat. You want to fry them until they’re lightly browned, which usually takes about 8 minutes. Pro tip: use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to paper towels later, but leave the fat in the pan. That’s liquid gold right there. And don’t forget to refrigerate the bacon; we’ll need it later for that crispy topping.
Now, onto the star of the show—6 bone-in blade cut pork chops. Pat them dry with paper towels and sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the skillet with the bacon fat over high heat until it’s smoking. You’ll sear 3 chops at a time for about 3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Transfer them to your trusty slow cooker once they’re cooked. Repeat this process until all the chops are perfectly browned and nestled together in the slow cooker, just waiting to soak up all those flavors.
Next up, let’s get those onions in there. In the same skillet, add your sliced 3 yellow onions, 1 teaspoon of light brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup of water. Scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan—those are flavor city! Cook this mixture over medium-high heat until the onions are soft, which takes around 6 minutes.
Toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons of minced thyme, and let it cook for just another 30 seconds. You can practically smell the deliciousness already. Pour this fragrant onion mix over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
Now, in that same skillet, combine 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar. Bring it to a boil, add in 2 bay leaves, and then pour it all over the onions and chops in the slow cooker. Cover it up and let it work its magic on low for about 8 hours. Yes, you heard me right—8 hours. Just think of all that time you have to binge-watch your favorite show or tackle that pile of laundry you’ve been ignoring.
When the time’s up, reheat that crispy bacon in a saucepan until it’s back to its golden glory, and then set it aside. Carefully remove the pork chops to a serving platter and say goodbye to those bay leaves.
Now, let’s make that sauce extra special. Pour the cooking liquid through a mesh strainer into the saucepan, and transfer the solids to a blender with 1 cup of the liquid. Blend until smooth, and then stir it back into the saucepan with the remaining liquid.
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl and add it to the sauce. Cook it over medium heat until it thickens up, which should take about 8 minutes. Finally, add a splash of cider vinegar, season with salt and pepper to taste, and pour it over the pork chops.
Top with that crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. There you go, a meal that not only looks good but tastes even better. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Slow Cooked Smothered Pork Chops Substitutions & Variations
After letting those pork chops simmer to perfection, you might want to mix things up a bit.
For a smoky twist, try using turkey bacon instead of pork. If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully.
Swap out yellow onions for shallots or red onions for a different flavor profile, and for a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You can also experiment with herbs; rosemary or oregano can add a unique taste.
For a sweeter sauce, consider adding a splash of apple cider or maple syrup.
Finally, if you want a creamier texture, stir in some heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
Enjoy your culinary adventure!
What to Serve with Slow Cooked Smothered Pork Chops
While savoring those slow-cooked smothered pork chops, it’s essential to think about the perfect accompaniments that will elevate your meal.
I love serving these chops with creamy mashed potatoes; they soak up the luscious sauce beautifully.
Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, add a nice touch of color and flavor, making the plate pop.
A simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider a warm bread, like a crusty baguette, to mop up any leftover sauce.
Each of these sides complements the savory, sweet flavors of the pork chops, creating a delightful dining experience.
Additional Tips & Notes
When planning your meal, consider a few additional tips that can enhance your experience with slow-cooked smothered pork chops.
First, don’t skip the browning step; it adds a rich depth of flavor to your dish. If you want a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes with the onions.
I also recommend using bone-in chops for extra juiciness. For a more robust flavor, let the sauce simmer a bit longer after blending before pouring it over the chops.
You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, during the last few hours of cooking.
Finally, don’t forget to let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum tenderness!