Here to restore pork chops to culinary favor: moist Crock Pot Pork Chops. Forget the tough, dry pork chops you used to eat—these are juicy and tender, very simple to make, and covered in a delicious BBQ sauce.
Pulling tender, juicy pork chops out of the crockpot is super satisfying. The low slow cooking renders the meat so moist and infuses incredible smoky flavor throughout. But to get the best results there are some simple tricks to keep in mind. In this article you’ll learn how to prep and cook smoked pork chops to perfection in the crockpot.
Why Make Smoked Pork Chops in the Crockpot?
Cooking pork chops low and slow delivers some big advantages
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Tender, juicy meat: The collagen in the pork breaks down into gelatin over many hours of cooking, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
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Infused smoky flavor: Slow cooking allows the smoke flavor to totally permeate the pork.
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Easy entertaining: You can prep the chops ahead of time then let them cook unattended for hours. They’ll be ready when guests arrive!
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Fuss-free No need to constantly monitor pork chops browning in a pan Just set it and forget it!
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Weekday convenience: Toss everything in the crockpot in the morning so dinner is ready when you get home from work.
With minimal hands-on time, the crockpot does all the work to give you the tastiest smoked pork chops ever.
Picking the Best Pork for Smoky Crockpot Chops
While any boneless pork chop will work, here are some tips for selecting chops that will shine after hours of slow cooking:
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Get thicker chops: At least 1-inch thickness prevents them from drying out and allows more time for smoky flavor to permeate.
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Choose bone-in chops: The bone adds moisture, flavor and helps the meat retain structure.
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Go for shoulder chops: From the pork butt/shoulder, these chops are naturally more marbled than loin chops which keeps them juicy.
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Get evenly sized chops: So they’ll cook at the same rate. Avoid an oddly thick or thin one.
With the right pork, you’re now ready to infuse deep smoky flavor!
Best Methods for Smoking Pork Before the Crockpot
To really make the smoked flavor shine, the pork needs to be smoked either before or during the slow cooking process. Here are some excellent options:
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Use pre-smoked chops: Look for smoked pork chops at the grocer or butcher shop. No extra smoking required!
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Smoke chops yourself: Fire up the smoker or grill before searing the chops to infuse smoky flavor.
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Add smoked salt: A salt blend with smoked paprika, chipotle or other smoky seasonings can provide a subtle smoky taste.
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Use liquid smoke: Just a dash of natural liquid smoke adds powerful smoky essence without needing a smoker.
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Toss in smoked sausage: Smoked kielbasa or andouille sausage cooked right in the crockpot will release a smoky pork flavor.
With pre-smoked chops or one of these clever smoking methods, you’ll get the quintessential smoky flavor that makes these pork chops so incredible.
Seasoning Smoked Pork Chops for the Crockpot
When it comes to seasoning, simpler is better since the smoky flavor will be the star. Here are some easy seasoning ideas:
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A moderate amount of salt, pepper and smoked paprika
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Italian dressing or zesty vinaigrette
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Chili powder and cumin
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Garlic powder and onion powder
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Apple juice concentrate with five spice powder
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Brown sugar, mustard and chili powder
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Orange marmalade with cayenne and thyme
You can marinate the chops in these seasonings beforehand or just sprinkle them on top before cooking to let the flavors slowly mingle.
Master the Perfect Crockpot Method
To turn out perfect smoked pork chops, follow these simple crockpot tips:
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Don’t overcrowd: Leave space around each chop for maximum smoke infusion.
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Add some liquid: Just 1⁄4 cup of broth, juice or water prevents drying out.
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Flip halfway: Rotate chops from top to bottom and vice versa for even cooking.
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Test for doneness: Smoked pork is safe to eat at 145°F.
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Let rest before serving: 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute so they don’t flood out when cut.
It only takes 5 minutes of hands-on time to prep your ingredient then walk away for several hours as your house fills with the incredible aroma of smoky pork chops!
Irresistible Smoked Pork Chop Recipes for the Crockpot
Ready to put your new chops cooking skills to work? Try out these sensational smoked pork chop recipes:
BBQ Smoked Pork Chops – Chops are coated in a sticky homemade BBQ sauce then cooked to fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Smoky Pork Chops and Sauerkraut – Smoky chops combine with tangy sauerkraut and caraway seeds for a German-inspired meal.
Crockpot Pork Chops and Applesauce – Brown sugar and apple juice give a hint of applesauce flavor that pairs perfectly with smoked chops.
Smoky Pork Chop Chili – Smoked pork simmers in a rich ancho chili sauce with beans and vegetables for a hearty winter meal.
Teriyaki Smoked Pork Chops – A quick teriyaki marinade adds a touch of sweetness before smoking and slow cooking.
Now you have all the know-how for making the most insanely delicious smoked pork chops you’ve ever tasted in the convenience of your crockpot. I hope you’ll soon be enjoying tender, juicy, smoky pork chop perfection!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Thaw Frozen Pork Chops. It’s possible for harmful bacteria to grow on frozen meat that’s cooked in a slow cooker for too long at an unsafe temperature. Please let your meat thaw all the way before putting it in a slow cooker.
- Use Low Heat. Slow cooking pork chops on HIGH heat can make them tough, so use LOW heat. It doesn’t matter how early you check on the chops; if you cook them on HIGH, they are likely to be dry.
- Temper Your Expectations. Even if you cook pork chops in the slow cooker all the way through, they will still be a little chewy. When you make carnitas, you use a fattier cut of meat, but pork chops are made with lean meat. My honest advice: adjust your expectations. These crock pot BBQ pork chops are very tender and easy to cut as long as you don’t cook them too long.
- Know When They’re Done. Dry, tough pork chops are likely over-cooked. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Since meat’s temperature rises while it rests, I suggest taking pork chops out of the slow cooker when an instant-read thermometer reads 140 degrees F. Cover them with foil and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. The carryover cooking is the last step, and the results will be much juicier.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops Recipe
- Actually Delicious Crock Pot Pork Chops. Forget about the bland pork chops that tasted like hockey pucks you’ve had before. I now know how to make crock pot pork chops that don’t taste like punishment after getting good at Grilled Pork Chops, Air Fryer Pork Chops, and Stuffed Pork Chops.
- Tender and Juicy. This recipe for slow cooker pork chops changes everything. They are so tender that everyone at the table will be licking their plate clean, just like these Smothered Pork Chops.
- Easy Peasy. Not only are these pork chops the best you’ll ever eat, they’re also very easy to make. You only need a few things. Just put them in the crock pot in layers, turn it on, and you’re done!
Slow Cooker Pork Chops | Easiest Meal Ever & Delicious Too!
FAQ
Is smoked pork chops already cooked?
How do you keep pork chops from drying out in a crock pot?
How do you keep smoked pork chops from drying out?
Why are my pork chops tough in the slow cooker?
Can you cook pork chops in a crock pot?
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened slightly. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary. Combine. Pour the gravy over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Make sure it covers them evenly. Slow cook. Cover and cook pork chops in the Crock Pot until tender.
How do you cook pork chops in a slow cooker?
Sprinkle seasoning over the chops and brown in a skillet. Remove from pan and deglaze the pan with broth and soup, per the recipe below. Place mushrooms and onions in the bottom of a slow cooker & place pork chops on top. Pour the sauce mixture over and cover. Cook until tender. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
How do you season pork chops in a crock pot?
Garlic Powder + Onion Powder. Easy ways to season these tender chops. Cornstarch. Thickens up the sauce before serving your tender, moist crock pot pork chops. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can thicken the sauce with arrowroot powder. Green Onions. An optional garnish that adds a final flourish of color and zip to the finished dish. TIP!
What are the best pork chops for a crock pot?
Look for chops that are well marbled with a bit of fat throughout. Leaner cuts will not be as tender. The best pork chops for the crock pot include blade chop, shoulder chop, sirloin chop, or tenderloin chops. Sauce Ingredients – This recipe makes an easy mushroom gravy sauce.