Introduction
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops are a comforting family dinner featuring tender, juicy pork chops, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes. This easy crockpot recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful meal that requires very little hands-on preparation.
The pork chops slowly cook in a savory mixture of garlic, butter, herbs, and broth, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Meanwhile, the potatoes absorb the delicious cooking juices, making them an ideal side dish.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this recipe offers a satisfying combination of tender meat, golden potatoes, and rich homemade sauce.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This slow cooker pork chop recipe is convenient, flavorful, and perfect for busy families. Everything cooks together in one pot, reducing preparation time and cleanup.
The garlic butter sauce gives the pork chops a delicious savory flavor, while the potatoes become tender and buttery.
Bone-in pork chops work particularly well because they offer excellent flavor and hold their shape during cooking.
The recipe also uses familiar pantry ingredients, making it an affordable and practical dinner option.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–5 hours on LOW
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Recommended Slow Cooker: 6-quart
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients are thick-cut bone-in pork chops, Yukon Gold potatoes, garlic, butter, and chicken broth.
Pork chops provide the rich, savory centerpiece of the dish. Yukon Gold potatoes are especially suitable because their creamy texture complements the garlic butter sauce.
Fresh garlic creates a fragrant base, while butter adds richness and helps give the sauce a smooth finish.
Italian herbs, thyme, and black pepper provide balanced seasoning without overpowering the natural flavor of the pork.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops, approximately 1–1½ inches thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt
For the Garlic Butter Potatoes
1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into wedges
5 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Choose Ingredients
Choose thick, bone-in pork chops with a little visible marbling. Thin pork chops tend to cook too quickly and may become dry before the potatoes are tender.
Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they hold their shape while developing a creamy interior. Small red potatoes are another good option.
Use fresh garlic whenever possible, as it creates a stronger aroma and a more pronounced garlic butter flavor.
Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final seasoning, while low-sodium chicken broth prevents the sauce from becoming overly salty.
Prepare the Pork Chops
Remove the pork chops from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for approximately 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
This step is optional but recommended because it creates a flavorful browned exterior.
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into evenly sized wedges.
Leaving the skins on adds texture and helps the potatoes maintain their shape.
Place the potatoes in a large bowl and season lightly with thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt.
Cutting the potatoes into similar-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Arrange the Potatoes
Place the potato wedges in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, spreading them into an even layer.
Step 2: Add the Pork Chops
Arrange the seasoned, seared pork chops over the potatoes. Slightly overlapping the chops is fine, but avoid tightly stacking them.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce
Slowly pour the garlic butter mixture over the pork chops and potatoes.
Make sure some of the sauce reaches the potatoes at the bottom.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 3–5 hours, depending on the thickness of the pork chops and the slow cooker.
Check the pork chops early with a meat thermometer. They should reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. The potatoes should be fork-tender.
If the pork chops finish before the potatoes, remove the chops, keep them warm, and continue cooking the potatoes until tender.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Carefully transfer the pork chops to a serving platter.
Stir the remaining garlic butter sauce gently and taste for seasoning.
For a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer until slightly reduced.
Step 7: Serve
Place a pork chop on each plate with a generous portion of potatoes.
Spoon the warm garlic butter sauce over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips for the Best Pork Chops
Choose thick pork chops. Thick-cut chops are less likely to dry out during slow cooking.
Sear before cooking. Browning develops additional flavor and creates an appetizing golden surface.
Cut potatoes evenly. Similar-sized wedges cook more consistently.
Avoid excessive broth. Pork chops release moisture during cooking, so a small amount of liquid is usually sufficient.
Check the temperature. Pork chops can become dry when overcooked, even in a slow cooker.
Use fresh garlic. Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce a more aromatic flavor.
Delicious Variations
Honey Garlic Pork Chops: Add two tablespoons of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a sweet-and-savory finish.
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops: Stir a small amount of heavy cream into the finished sauce for extra richness.
Ranch Garlic Pork Chops: Add one tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a tangy, herby flavor.
Parmesan Garlic Pork Chops: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the finished pork chops and potatoes.
Lemon Herb Pork Chops: Add extra lemon juice, fresh rosemary, and parsley for a brighter flavor.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Because the recipe already includes potatoes, a simple vegetable side dish is an excellent choice.
Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, sautéed asparagus, or glazed carrots pair beautifully with the buttery sauce.
A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast.
For an extra comforting dinner, serve warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter juices.
Meal Prep and Storage
This recipe is convenient for meal preparation because the potatoes and seasonings can be prepared in advance.
Store the seasoned raw pork chops separately from the prepared vegetables in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Refrigerate cooked leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. They will keep for approximately 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked pork chops and sauce for up to 3 months. Potatoes can also be frozen, although their texture may soften after reheating.
Reheat gently in a covered skillet or oven with a splash of broth until thoroughly heated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using thin pork chops: Thin cuts may become dry before the potatoes finish cooking.
Adding too much liquid: Excess broth can dilute the garlic butter sauce.
Cutting potatoes too large: Oversized wedges may remain firm while the pork chops are already cooked.
Overcooking the meat: Use a meat thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
Skipping seasoning: Pork chops benefit from seasoning on both sides before cooking.
Frequently removing the lid: Opening the slow cooker repeatedly releases heat and increases cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes. Boneless pork chops work well, but they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Check their internal temperature early.
Can I use frozen pork chops?
Frozen pork chops should be fully thawed in the refrigerator before being placed in a slow cooker.
What potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold and red potatoes are excellent choices because they hold their shape and develop a tender texture.
Do I need to brown the pork chops first?
No, but searing adds flavor and gives the pork chops a more appealing golden appearance.
Can I cook this recipe on HIGH?
Yes, although LOW is generally preferable for thick pork chops. On HIGH, begin checking for doneness after approximately 1½–2 hours.
How do I prevent dry pork chops?
Choose thick-cut chops, use enough cooking liquid, and remove the pork once it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes. Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced, or add a small cornstarch slurry.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely. Carrots, onions, and mushrooms are excellent additions. Cut them into appropriately sized pieces for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Potatoes are a delicious, comforting meal that combines tender pork, buttery potatoes, and a rich garlic herb sauce.
The simple preparation and convenient slow cooking method make this recipe ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, and family gatherings.
With its savory aroma, tender texture, and flavorful homemade sauce, this easy crockpot dinner is a wonderful addition to any collection of comforting family recipes.