Introduction
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops are a rich, comforting Crockpot dinner made with thick pork chops, plenty of garlic, butter, onions, and a savory pan-style gravy.
The pork cooks slowly until tender while the garlic and onions flavor the broth. A quick sear before slow cooking gives the chops the deep golden color and rich flavor seen in the finished dish.
This is an easy family dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
Why This Recipe Is Popular
This recipe uses simple ingredients but creates a lot of flavor. The butter and garlic make the sauce rich, while the onions add sweetness and body.
Slow cooking also gives thick pork chops time to become tender without needing constant attention.
Browning the chops first adds extra flavor and helps them look more appetizing once finished.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Main Ingredients
Pork chops: Thick bone-in chops work best because they stay juicier during slow cooking.
Garlic: Fresh sliced or minced garlic gives the sauce its main flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky gravy.
Onion: Slowly softens and adds natural sweetness.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce.
Ingredients
4 thick bone-in pork chops
1 large yellow onion, sliced
5 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
¾ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the pork chops for about 2–3 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
They do not need to cook through.
Transfer the chops to the slow cooker.
Prepare the Garlic and Onions
Add the sliced onions around the pork chops.
Scatter the garlic over the top.
Add the butter in small pieces.
The onions will soften as they cook and help flavor the gravy.
Add the Broth
Combine the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the mixture around the pork chops.
Avoid completely covering the browned tops so they keep some of their color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Place the browned pork chops in the slow cooker.
Add the sliced onions and garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Dot the butter over the pork.
Cover with the lid.
Cook on LOW for about 4–5 hours.
Begin checking the pork toward the earlier end of the cooking range.
For food safety, whole pork chops should reach at least 145°F (63°C) followed by a short rest.
Once tender, carefully transfer the pork chops to a plate.
Make the Garlic Gravy
Leave the onions, garlic, and cooking liquid in the Crockpot.
Combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
Whisk until completely smooth.
Stir the slurry into the hot liquid.
Cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the pork chops to the slow cooker.
Spoon the garlic-onion gravy over the top.
Tips for Best Results
Use thick-cut pork chops rather than thin ones.
Bone-in chops are usually more forgiving in the slow cooker.
Do not overcook the pork unnecessarily.
Sear the pork first for better color and richer flavor.
Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
For even more garlic flavor, add an extra clove or two near the end.
Flavor Variations
For Creamy Garlic Pork Chops, stir ½ cup heavy cream into the sauce at the end.
For Garlic Mushroom Pork Chops, add sliced mushrooms with the onions.
For Herb Garlic Pork Chops, add rosemary and parsley.
For Spicy Garlic Pork Chops, add crushed red pepper flakes.
For Honey Garlic Pork Chops, stir 1–2 tablespoons honey into the broth mixture.
How to Serve
Serve the pork chops over creamy mashed potatoes and spoon the garlic gravy over everything.
They also pair well with rice, egg noodles, roasted potatoes, green beans, carrots, or broccoli.
Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Meal Prep and Storage
Store leftover pork with some of the gravy in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently so the pork stays tender.
If the gravy becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth while reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use very thin pork chops.
Avoid adding too much liquid.
Do not skip browning if you want the best flavor.
Avoid over-salting before tasting the finished gravy.
Do not add dry cornstarch directly to the hot sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes. Start checking them earlier because they may cook faster.
Can I skip searing?
Yes, but searing gives the pork better flavor and appearance.
Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely. Mushrooms pair very well with garlic and onion gravy.
Can I make the sauce creamy?
Yes. Stir heavy cream into the finished gravy.
What temperature should pork chops reach?
Cook whole pork chops to 145°F (63°C) and let them rest briefly before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops are an easy comfort-food dinner with tender pork, soft onions, plenty of garlic, and a rich savory gravy.
Sear the chops first, cook them gently, and finish the sauce with a quick cornstarch slurry for a simple family meal that is perfect over mashed potatoes.