There’s just something about walking into the kitchen after a long day and smelling buttery garlic pork chops bubbling away in the slow cooker. Whew. It feels like a warm hug from dinner itself. And honestly? This recipe saved me on one of those chaotic weekdays when everyone was hungry, the sink was full, and I had exactly zero patience left.
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops come out juicy, rich, and packed with cozy flavor. The butter melts into the broth, the garlic softens into pure comfort food magic, and the pork turns fork-tender. Toss in some mashed potatoes or buttery noodles and dinner is pretty much handled.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Pork Chops
- Super easy prep
- Rich garlic butter flavor
- Tender pork every single time
- Great for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Amazing leftovers the next day
And let’s face it, slow cooker meals just hit different during busy seasons.
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Here’s everything you need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thick gravy)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Bone-in pork chops work best because they stay juicy while cooking low and slow.
How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops
1. Season The Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Honestly, don’t skip drying them first. It helps the seasoning stick way better.
2. Sear The Pork Chops
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each pork chop for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
You don’t need to cook them fully here. That little crust adds so much flavor though — kinda hard to beat.
3. Add Everything To The Slow Cooker
Place the pork chops into the slow cooker. Add butter, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
As the butter melts, it mixes with the garlic and broth into this rich sauce that smells absolutely unreal.
4. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
The pork should be tender and juicy without falling apart completely.
5. Make A Quick Gravy (Optional)
If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes.
And yep, spooning that buttery garlic gravy over mashed potatoes is mandatory in my house.
Best Side Dishes For Pork Chops
These pork chops pair perfectly with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Roasted green beans
- Mac and cheese
- Rice pilaf
- Sweet corn
- Garlic bread
My personal favorite? Mashed potatoes with extra gravy. No contest.
Tips For The Best Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Choose Thick Pork Chops
Thin pork chops can dry out faster in the slow cooker. Thick-cut chops stay juicy and tender.
Don’t Overcook
Pork chops can go from juicy to dry if cooked too long. Keep an eye on the timing.
Add Extra Garlic
If you love garlic as much as I do, toss in another clove or two. Nobody’s judging here.
Use Unsalted Butter
This helps control the salt level better since broth can already be salty.
Can You Use Boneless Pork Chops?
Yes, absolutely. Boneless pork chops work fine, but they usually cook a little faster. Check them early so they stay tender.
Storage And Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the pork chops gently in a skillet or microwave with a spoonful of broth to keep them moist.
Honestly, I think they taste even better the next day.
Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Pork Chops?
Yep. Let everything cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Put Raw Pork Chops In The Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can. Searing first simply adds more flavor and color.
What’s The Best Pork Chop Cut For Slow Cooking?
Bone-in rib chops or center-cut pork chops work best.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Definitely. Baby potatoes, carrots, and onions cook beautifully alongside the pork.
How Do I Know Pork Chops Are Done?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops are one of those comforting dinners that feel fancy without being complicated. The buttery garlic sauce, tender pork, and easy prep make this recipe a regular favorite in my kitchen.
And honestly? Once you smell that garlic butter bubbling away in the slow cooker, you’ll be counting down the minutes until dinner.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker
- Place pork chops in the slow cooker. Add butter, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
- Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until pork chops are tender.
- Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- Mix cornstarch with cold water. Stir into the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes for a thicker gravy.
- Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
