Pioneer Woman Crockpot Pork Chops – Tender, Comforting, and Foolproof

This is the kind of meal that makes a long day feel easier the moment you walk in the door. These Pioneer Woman-style crockpot pork chops are hearty, saucy, and unbelievably tender, with minimal prep and a big payoff. You’ll load everything into the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and end up with a homestyle dinner that tastes like you worked all afternoon.

It’s cozy, satisfying, and friendly for weeknights or Sunday supper. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, and don’t forget a green veggie on the side.

Why This Recipe Works

• Low and slow for tenderness: The crockpot gently breaks down the pork chops, keeping them moist instead of tough.
• Simple pantry ingredients: Cream soup, onion, and broth create a rich gravy without any fussy steps.
• Hands-off cooking: Minimal prep time, then the slow cooker handles the rest while you go about your day.
• Forgiving and flexible: Works with bone-in or boneless chops and adapts to what you have in the pantry.
• Family-friendly flavor: Classic, comforting taste that pairs well with familiar sides.

Ingredients

• 4–6 pork chops (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick; bone-in preferred for tenderness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for searing)
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (plus more as needed)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the chops: Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
2. Sear for flavor (optional but recommended): Heat the oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.

   Transfer to a plate.

3. Soften the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until starting to soften. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. This step builds a richer sauce.
4. Make the sauce base: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
5. Layer in the slow cooker: Place half the onions in the bottom of the crockpot.

   Add the pork chops in a single layer if possible. Pour the sauce over the top, then scatter the remaining onions.

6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 2.5–3.5 hours, until the pork chops are tender. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
7. Adjust the gravy: If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chops to a plate and whisk the cornstarch and cold water together.

   Stir the slurry into the sauce, cover, and cook on High for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return the chops to warm through.

8. Taste and finish: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley.
9. Serve: Spoon the gravy over the pork chops and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze pork chops and sauce for up to 2 months.

  Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at 50–70% power, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce is too thick.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Pork chops are often cheaper than beef, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.
• Set-it-and-forget-it: Minimal hands-on time helps you get dinner on the table without hovering over the stove.
• Consistently tender: The slow cooker prevents overcooking and keeps the meat juicy.
• Versatile: The gravy pairs with many sides, making it easy to fit into your weekly rotation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using very thin chops: Thin cuts can dry out quickly. Choose chops at least 1 inch thick.
• Skipping seasoning: Salt, pepper, and spices are key. Season both the meat and the sauce.
• Overcrowding without sauce: Make sure the sauce covers most of the chops so they stay moist.
• Lifting the lid too often: Heat escapes, and cooking time increases.

  Check near the end only.

• Not searing when you have time: You can skip it, but a quick sear deepens flavor and color.

Alternatives

• Mushroom lovers: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for extra earthiness.
• Ranch twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning and use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom.
• Onion gravy version: Swap cream of mushroom for cream of onion soup and add a splash of beef broth.
• Apple and herb: Replace half the broth with unsweetened apple juice and add a pinch of sage.
• Dairy-light option: Use a homemade slurry of broth and cornstarch plus sautéed onions and mushrooms for a lighter gravy, skipping the canned soup.
• Gluten-free: Choose gluten-free cream soup and Worcestershire, and thicken with cornstarch.

FAQ

Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes. Boneless chops work well, but they can cook a little faster. Check for tenderness 20–30 minutes earlier, especially if they’re thinner than 1 inch.

Do I need to sear the pork chops first?

No, but it helps.

Searing adds flavor and better color. If you’re short on time, skip it and lean on the seasoning and onions to build depth.

How do I keep the pork chops from drying out?

Use thicker chops, cook on Low when possible, and make sure there’s enough sauce to surround the meat. Don’t overcook—start checking for tenderness at the earlier time.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

You can.

Sear the chops, sauté the onions and garlic, add the sauce, then simmer covered on low for 30–45 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally and add broth if needed.

What sides go best with these pork chops?

Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, white or brown rice, roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad are all great choices.

How do I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?

Use a beurre manié (equal parts softened butter and flour mashed together), whisking small pieces into the hot sauce until it thickens. Arrowroot also works well.

Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely.

Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, set the insert into the base and cook as directed. Add 15–20 minutes to the cook time if starting cold.

Wrapping Up

These Pioneer Woman-style crockpot pork chops are classic comfort food with almost no effort.

The slow cooker creates tender meat and a savory gravy that tastes like home. Keep the ingredients simple, let the cooker do the work, and serve with your favorite sides for a cozy, satisfying dinner any night of the week.