These creamy garlic pork chops and potatoes are a cozy dinner favorite! Just toss everything in a crockpot, and let the magic happen as the flavors blend together.
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? I enjoy serving it with a side of veggies. It makes dinner easy, tasty, and perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend bone-in pork chops for flavor and moisture. If you have boneless chops, they’ll work too, but watch the cooking time as they cook faster.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enriches the flavor. If you run out, you can use garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove) as a substitute, though fresh is always best!
Heavy Cream: For richness, heavy cream delivers a luscious sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, try using half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream like coconut cream.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe since they cook evenly. You can substitute regular potatoes, just cut them into chunks for similar cooking time.
Seasonings: Dried thyme or Italian seasoning adds great flavor. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano based on your taste.
What’s the Best Way to Get Tender Pork Chops?
For tender pork chops, the key is to sear them before adding them to the crockpot. This not only locks in flavor but also helps keep the meat juicy. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—it’s better to do this in batches if needed.
After searing, place them in the crockpot with seasonings and let the slow cooking do the rest!
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops and Potatoes in Crockpot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This incredibly flavorful dish requires about 15 minutes for prep time. It will then need to cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. Be sure to budget some time for it to thicken a bit at the end if you choose to use cornstarch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning your pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning on both sides. This will help to build flavor in your dish right from the start!
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. When they’re done, take them out of the skillet and set them aside for now.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they are fragrant and just starting to soften. This step adds a beautiful depth of flavor!
4. Deglazing the Skillet:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from!
5. Layering in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, place the halved or quartered baby potatoes at the bottom as the first layer. They’ll cook down and soak up all the flavors from above.
6. Adding the Pork Chops:
Now, place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes in the crockpot.
7. Pouring in the Sauce:
Pour the onion and garlic broth mixture over everything in the crockpot, ensuring the pork chops and potatoes are well coated.
8. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork chops are tender and the potatoes are cooked through. The longer, the better for tenderness!
9. Adding Creaminess:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk the heavy cream and optional cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture over the pork chops and potatoes, stirring gently in the crockpot to combine.
10. Final Cooking:
Cover and continue cooking on high for the remaining 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened nicely. This is when it all becomes creamy and dreamy!
11. Garnishing:
When ready to serve, garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful creamy garlic pork chops and potatoes!
Delicious, hearty, and the perfect meal for any day! Enjoy!
FAQ about Creamy Garlic Pork Chops and Potatoes in Crockpot
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be aware that they may cook faster, so check for doneness a little earlier than the recipe suggests, typically around 3-4 hours on high.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly based on your choice.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans. For best results, cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot along with the potatoes!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to keep it moist.