What To Know
- You can also check for doneness by making a small incision in the thickest part of the pork chop.
- Store the pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pork chops in the crock pot on low heat until warmed through.
Crock pots are a lifesaver for busy home cooks. With just a few simple ingredients and a few hours of cooking time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy. Pork chops are a great choice for crock pot cooking, as they become incredibly tender and juicy when cooked low and slow. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to crock pot pork chops, from choosing the right ingredients to achieving perfect doneness.
Choosing the Right Pork Chops
The type of pork chops you choose will have a big impact on the final dish. For crock pot cooking, we recommend using boneless, center-cut pork chops. These chops are lean and tender, and they cook evenly throughout.
Seasoning the Pork Chops
Once you’ve chosen your pork chops, it’s time to season them. There are many different ways to season pork chops, but our favorite method is a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other spices, such as smoked paprika or cumin, to taste.
Browning the Pork Chops (Optional)
While it’s not necessary, browning the pork chops before adding them to the crock pot can help to develop more flavor. To brown the pork chops, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.
Adding Liquid to the Crock Pot
Once the pork chops are seasoned (and browned, if desired), it’s time to add them to the crock pot. Before adding the pork chops, you’ll need to add some liquid to the crock pot. This liquid will help to keep the pork chops moist and prevent them from drying out. You can use a variety of liquids, such as chicken broth, beef broth, water, or even apple juice.
Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. For 1-inch thick pork chops, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For 1/2-inch thick pork chops, cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Checking for Doneness
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check for doneness by making a small incision in the thickest part of the pork chop. The juices should run clear, not pink.
Resting the Pork Chops
Once the pork chops are done cooking, let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and juicy pork chops.
Serving Suggestions
Crock pot pork chops are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some of our favorite sides for crock pot pork chops include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice
- Pasta
- Salads
Summary: The Perfect Crock Pot Pork Chops
With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can easily create delicious and satisfying crock pot pork chops. Just follow the steps outlined in this guide and you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I use frozen pork chops in the crock pot?
A: Yes, you can use frozen pork chops in the crock pot. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 50%.
Q: Can I add vegetables to my crock pot pork chops?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables to your crock pot pork chops. Some good choices include potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions.
Q: Can I make crock pot pork chops ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make crock pot pork chops ahead of time. Simply cook the pork chops according to the directions and then let them cool completely. Store the pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pork chops in the crock pot on low heat until warmed through.
