Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops
There’s something so comforting about coming home to the smell of garlic, butter, and tender pork chops slowly cooking together. I love recipes that make dinner feel special without keeping me busy in the kitchen all afternoon, and these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops are exactly that kind of meal.
I first thought about making this dish on a busy weekend when I wanted a hearty, home-cooked dinner without standing over the stove. The garlic butter sauce turned out rich and savory, and the pork chops were wonderfully tender. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans, it felt like the kind of family dinner everyone wanted seconds of!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender, flavorful pork chops with a rich garlic butter sauce
Simple ingredients you may already have at home
Minimal hands-on preparation
Perfect for busy weekdays and cozy Sunday dinners
Delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles
Ingredients
4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional)
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Sear the pork chops for about 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds flavor, although you can skip it if you’re short on time.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Slow Cook
Arrange the pork chops in the slow cooker and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for about 1½–2½ hours, depending on thickness and your slow cooker. Begin checking early to avoid overcooking.
Pork should reach at least 145°F (63°C) internally, followed by a 3-minute rest. For chops cooked longer in a slow cooker, check tenderness as well; lean pork can become dry if cooked too long.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Carefully transfer the pork chops to a plate. Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Alternatively, use your slow cooker’s sauté setting if available.
6. Finish and Serve
Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the pork chops and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
My Tips for the Best Pork Chops
Choose chops of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
Searing is optional, but it gives the meat a deeper, savory flavor.
Avoid adding too much extra salt if your broth is already salty.
Don’t cook lean, thin pork chops for too long; they can dry out.
For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream after thickening.
Use a meat thermometer rather than relying on color alone.
Easy Variations
Creamy Garlic Butter Pork Chops: Stir ¼ cup heavy cream into the thickened sauce.
Mushroom Garlic Pork Chops: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker.
Herb Butter Version: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
Slightly Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and certified gluten-free cornstarch.
What to Serve With Them
These pork chops pair beautifully with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Steamed green beans
Roasted carrots
Buttered rice
Egg noodles
Roasted broccoli
A crisp garden salad
My favorite pairing is mashed potatoes because they soak up every bit of that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Freezing: Freeze the cooled pork chops with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Method: Slow cooker
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 390
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 25g
Sugar: 1g
Nutrition is an estimate and varies depending on the pork chop cut, butter, and amount of sauce consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes. Boneless chops work well, but they may cook faster than bone-in chops, so check their temperature early.
2. Do I have to sear the pork chops first?
No. You can place the seasoned chops directly into the slow cooker. Searing simply adds extra flavor.
3. Why are my pork chops tough or dry?
They may have cooked too long, especially if they were thin or very lean. Check them early with a meat thermometer and avoid leaving them on a long warming cycle.
4. Can I make the sauce creamier?
Absolutely! Stir a little heavy cream into the sauce after thickening, then warm gently without boiling.
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Chops are a wonderful choice when you want a comforting, flavorful dinner with very little fuss. Pair them with your favorite sides, drizzle that buttery garlic sauce over everything, and enjoy a cozy homemade meal!
