Introduction
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops are a delicious comfort food dinner featuring tender, juicy pork chops simmered in a rich garlic butter gravy. This easy crockpot recipe combines simple ingredients with slow cooking to create a flavorful homemade meal.
The combination of melted butter, savory garlic, tender onions, and seasoned pork creates a creamy, satisfying gravy that tastes wonderful over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Whether you’re preparing a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, these garlic butter pork chops are an excellent choice for the whole family.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Easy Preparation: Just 15 minutes of hands-on work.
Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: A savory, buttery gravy coats every pork chop.
Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday kitchen staples.
Family-Friendly: A comforting dinner everyone can enjoy.
Minimal Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in one crockpot.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully with extra gravy.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes–6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Main Ingredients
Pork Chops: Thick-cut bone-in pork chops work beautifully in this recipe. Their thickness helps them retain moisture during cooking.
Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich, silky sauce and complements the savory pork.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the gravy.
Onions: Yellow onions soften during cooking, adding sweetness and depth.
Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and creates the base for the garlic butter gravy.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a delicious savory richness that balances the buttery sauce.
Ingredients
4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Choose Ingredients
For the best slow cooker garlic butter pork chops, choose pork chops that are approximately 1–1½ inches thick. Bone-in chops are especially flavorful, although thick boneless chops can also be used.
Fresh garlic provides a stronger aroma than garlic powder, while yellow onions develop a naturally sweet flavor as they cook.
Choose unsalted butter and low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the finished gravy.
For a richer variation, substitute part of the chicken broth with beef broth.
Prepare the Main Ingredient
Pat the pork chops dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for approximately 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
This optional browning step creates additional savory flavor and gives the pork chops an attractive appearance.
Avoid cooking the pork completely during searing because they will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Prepare Other Ingredients
Peel the yellow onion and cut it into medium-thick slices. Mince the garlic cloves finely to distribute their flavor throughout the sauce.
Cut the butter into small pieces so it melts evenly.
In a small mixing bowl, combine chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Keep the cornstarch and cold water separate until the final stage of cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease a 4–6 quart slow cooker. Spread the sliced onions evenly across the bottom.
Step 2: Add the Pork Chops
Arrange the seasoned pork chops over the onions. Place them in a single layer when possible.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the pork chops. Distribute the butter pieces evenly across the meat.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Slowly pour the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce mixture around the pork chops.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–6 hours, checking earlier for lean or boneless cuts. Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
Step 6: Prepare the Gravy
Carefully remove the cooked pork chops. Whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir it into the hot cooking liquid.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 10–20 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 7: Serve
Return the pork chops to the gravy briefly to coat them. Transfer to serving plates and spoon the rich garlic butter gravy over the top.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
Use Thick-Cut Pork Chops: Thin chops can dry out during extended slow cooking.
Sear Before Cooking: Browning adds extra flavor to the meat and gravy.
Avoid Too Much Liquid: Pork chops release natural juices while cooking, so excessive broth is unnecessary.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a wonderful aroma.
Monitor Cooking Time: Lean pork chops can become dry when overcooked, even in a slow cooker.
Thicken the Gravy Properly: Always combine cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid.
Delicious Variations
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream after cooking for a richer sauce.
Garlic Mushroom Pork Chops: Add one cup of sliced mushrooms for an earthy, savory flavor.
Parmesan Garlic Pork Chops: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan into the finished gravy.
Honey Garlic Butter Pork Chops: Add two tablespoons of honey for a subtle sweet-and-savory combination.
Ranch Garlic Pork Chops: Add a tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a flavorful twist, reducing other salt as needed.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing because they absorb the buttery garlic gravy beautifully.
Fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, and roasted potatoes are equally delicious choices.
For a balanced family dinner, serve the pork chops alongside steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, glazed carrots, or sautéed cabbage.
Warm dinner rolls or homemade biscuits are also excellent for enjoying every spoonful of gravy.
Meal Prep and Storage
These slow cooker pork chops are convenient for preparing ahead of time.
Slice the onions, mince the garlic, and measure the seasonings the night before. Store everything in covered containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Refrigerate cooked leftovers in airtight containers within two hours. They will keep for approximately 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the pork chops with their gravy for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth until the pork reaches 165°F (74°C).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Pork: Lean pork chops can become dry if left in the slow cooker too long.
Using Thin Chops: Thin pork chops are less suitable for extended slow cooking.
Adding Excess Broth: Too much liquid dilutes the garlic butter flavor.
Skipping the Gravy Thickener: The cooking juices may remain thin without a cornstarch slurry.
Using Too Much Salt: Butter, broth, and Worcestershire sauce can contribute sodium, so adjust seasonings carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes. Thick boneless pork chops work well, but they may cook faster than bone-in chops.
Can I cook this recipe on HIGH?
Yes. Begin checking the pork after approximately 2 hours on HIGH. Cooking times vary depending on the slow cooker and chop thickness.
Do pork chops need to be covered with broth?
No. The pork chops release moisture during cooking, and the broth creates enough liquid for the gravy.
Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker?
Absolutely. Small baby potatoes can be arranged beneath the pork chops for a convenient one-pot dinner.
How do I make the gravy creamier?
Stir in a little heavy cream after cooking. Avoid boiling the cream for an extended period.
Can I freeze garlic butter pork chops?
Yes. Freeze the cooled pork chops together with their gravy in airtight freezer-safe containers.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops are a simple, flavorful dinner that brings together tender pork, aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and rich buttery gravy.
With easy preparation and versatile serving options, this crockpot recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend comfort food, or meal preparation.
Serve these delicious garlic butter pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables for a satisfying homemade meal.