These creamy garlic parmesan slow cooker pork chops are a dream come true for busy cooks! They become super tender and delicious as they simmer away with rich flavors.
I love how easy this recipe is—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a cozy meal without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend bone-in pork chops for the best flavor and moisture. However, you can use boneless chops if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since boneless chops cook faster.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter dish, you can substitute half and half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk or cashew cream works surprisingly well.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you don’t have it, try Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. The taste will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Seasonings: I love using garlic powder, thyme, and oregano. You could experiment with Italian seasoning or even paprika for a different twist on flavors.
How Do I Get The Pork Chops Perfectly Tender?
To achieve tender pork chops, searing them before slow cooking is key. This locks in juices and adds a beautiful color. Follow these steps for success:
- First, pat the pork chops dry. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil until hot, but not smoking—about 3-4 minutes per side should create the golden crust.
After searing, place them in the slow cooker with the creamy sauce. Cooking low and slow (4-5 hours on LOW) lets the flavors meld and keeps the meat tender. Make sure not to rush the cooking process!
Make sure to follow these simple tips for delicious, creamy garlic parmesan pork chops that everyone will love!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 4 to 5 hours of cooking time on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH. Just set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
First, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel, as this will help them sear beautifully. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. This will give your chops a lovely flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through, just get a nice crust. Once seared, transfer the pork chops to the slow cooker.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this will really amp up the flavor! Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard. Stir everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce is nice and smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy sauce over the pork chops in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re well coated. This sauce is what makes the chops unbelievably tasty!
5. Set to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The pork chops will be tender and full of flavor once finished.
6. Optional: Thicken the Sauce:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the pork chops after they’re done cooking. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce left in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will give you that rich, creamy consistency!
7. Finish and Serve:
Return the pork chops to the sauce and coat them well. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm—these chops go wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables!
This recipe produces tender pork chops bathed in a savory, creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s perfect for cozy dinners! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can! Boneless pork chops will work just fine. Just be aware that they may cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time to about 3-4 hours on LOW or 1.5-2 hours on HIGH.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half and half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or cashew cream works well, although it will add a slight coconut flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them up gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetables like carrots, green beans, or potatoes can be added to the slow cooker. Just chop them into similar sizes and add them along with the pork chops to allow them to cook in that delicious creamy sauce.
