Crockpot Pork Chop Recipe: Juicy, Tender, and Effortless
Are you looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Crockpot Pork Chop Recipe! This recipe delivers juicy, tender pork chops every time, with minimal effort on your part. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow-cooked goodness is sure to become a family favorite.
Why This Crockpot Pork Chop Recipe is the Best
This recipe stands out because it focuses on simplicity and flavor. We're not overloading it with complicated steps or exotic ingredients. Instead, we're highlighting the natural deliciousness of the pork chops with a few key ingredients that deliver maximum flavor impact.
- Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking in the crockpot ensures incredibly tender and juicy pork chops, unlike their often dry pan-fried counterparts.
- Effortless Preparation: Minimal prep work is required; simply toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The simple seasoning allows the natural pork flavor to shine, and it's easily customizable to your preferred taste. Add different herbs and spices to experiment!
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This recipe is ideal for those short on time but don't want to sacrifice a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
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Sear (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the pork chops in a little olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot. This step is optional but adds a nice crust.
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Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, combine the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
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Add Pork Chops: Place the seasoned pork chops in the crockpot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork chops are cooked through and easily shred with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
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Serve: Remove the pork chops from the crockpot and serve immediately. You can thicken the cooking liquid for a delicious gravy by simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf, fresh thyme sprigs, or a few cloves of minced garlic to the crockpot.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Serve with: Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad are all delicious sides for this dish.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Considerations:
This recipe post is optimized for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords throughout the text, including "crockpot pork chop recipe," "slow cooker pork chops," "easy pork chop recipe," and "tender pork chops." The use of headings (H2, H3) further improves readability and SEO. The inclusion of variations and tips expands keyword relevance and provides value to readers searching for different approaches or additions.
