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Tender pork chops are infused with the flavors of olives, garlic, and oregano as they slowly cook to perfection in the crockpot – giving you tender, juicy pork chops bursting with Greek-inspired flavor!
This versatile and hassle-free recipe is perfect for busy days or when you want a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the convenience of the crockpot while savoring the Mediterranean-inspired tastes of this Greek-flavored pork chop dish.
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of contents
The Best Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Slow cooker pork chops offer a convenient and effortless way to prepare tender and flavorful pork chops without much hands-on cooking time. The slow cooking process in a crockpot allows the pork chops to become incredibly tender, infusing them with delicious flavors from the seasonings and other ingredients.
One of the great benefits of using a crockpot for pork chops is the convenience it offers. You can simply sear the pork chops and prep the ingredients, then let the crockpot do the rest of the work. It’s an ideal recipe for busy days or when you want to have a delicious meal waiting for you when you come home!
Crockpot pork chops are also versatile and adaptable to different flavor profiles. You can customize the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a Mediterranean-inspired dish with olives, garlic, and oregano or want to explore different flavors by adding spices or sauces, the crockpot method allows for creativity and experimentation. We’re giving this recipe a Greek twist based off our recent travels to Kalamata and Athens.
The slow and gentle cooking process helps the pork chops retain moisture and develop a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while loading the pork with rich and briny taste from the olives, onions, and oregano – so you end up with juicy pork that is packed with Mediterranean flavor.
The briny and tangy flavor of Greek olives adds depth and richness to dishes, enhancing their overall taste. Olives are often used in Greek salads, stews, and as a topping for various appetizers and mezze platters. They provide a savory and slightly salty contrast, balancing the flavors of other ingredients and giving a distinct Mediterranean touch to the dish.
The combination of Greek oregano and olives creates a harmonious flavor profile that is associated with Greek cuisine. When used together, they add complexity, depth, and a unique character to the dishes, reflecting the vibrant culinary heritage of Greece. Whether in a traditional Greek salad, a hearty stew, or a flavor-packed pork chop recipe, Greek oregano and olives are essential ingredients that bring the authentic taste of Greece to the table.
Crockpot pork chops are a great option for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. The recipe can easily be scaled up to accommodate more servings, making it suitable for gatherings or when you want to have leftovers for future meals. The flavors tend to deepen and intensify as the dish sits, making it even more delicious as leftovers – plus pork chops tend to be budget-friendly!
We’re using flavors like Greek olives (you can use Kalamata olives or any Greek olives you love), Greek oregano, and garlic to pack a flavorful punch without adding to your active cooking time.
See more from my recent travels to Greece:
- Diros Cave boat ride
- Sunset from Woo Suites, Athens
- Sunset from The Modernist, Athens XL Room
- Our favorite Greek Cafe, Kampos Greece
- Seaside dinner in Kalamata, Greece
How to Make Crock Pot Pork Chops
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Pork Chops: The star of the dish! Pork chops are tender and flavorful cuts of meat that provide the main protein component to the recipe. They become juicy and tender when cooked slowly in the crockpot.
- Olives: Olives add a briny and savory flavor to the dish. They bring a tangy and slightly salty taste that complements the richness of the pork chops. Sliced olives also provide a nice texture contrast.
- Garlic: Garlic is a staple ingredient in many savory dishes, and it adds a strong and aromatic flavor to the pork chops. Minced garlic enhances the overall taste profile of the dish and pairs well with the other ingredients.
- White Onion: Sliced white onions contribute a sweet and slightly pungent flavor to the dish. They become soft and caramelized when cooked slowly in the crockpot, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the taste of the pork chops and other ingredients. They help to bring out the natural flavors and balance the overall seasoning of the dish.
- Dried Oregano: Dried oregano is a herb that adds an earthy and slightly floral flavor to the pork chops. It complements the other seasonings and gives a Mediterranean touch to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil serves as the cooking fat and adds richness to the dish. It helps to sear the pork chops, locking in the juices and enhancing their flavor. The olive oil also adds a subtle fruity note to the overall taste.
- Stock: Chicken or vegetable stock adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish. It helps to keep the pork chops tender and juicy during the slow cooking process. The stock also creates a flavorful base for the sauce that develops as the pork chops cook.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and dried oregano on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step helps to seal in the flavors.
- Transfer the seared pork chops to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sautรฉ for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add the sautรฉed onions and garlic to the crockpot, spreading them evenly over the pork chops.
- Pour the stock over the pork chops, ensuring they are partially submerged. Add more stock if needed.
- Scatter the sliced olives on top.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The pork chops should become tender and juicy.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the pork chops from the crockpot and transfer them to a serving platter.
- If desired, you can thicken the sauce remaining in the crockpot. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the sauce. Cook on high heat for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the pork chops and serve hot.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crock Pot Pork Chops:
Choose the right thickness: Opt for pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thicker chops tend to hold up better during the slow cooking process and are less likely to dry out.
Sear the pork chops: Before placing the pork chops in the crockpot, sear them in a hot skillet with some oil. Searing helps to lock in the flavors and creates a nice browned crust on the outside of the chops.
Use bone-in chops: Bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful compared to boneless ones. The bone helps to retain moisture during the slow cooking process.
Layer the ingredients: Layer the sliced onions, minced garlic, and olives over the seared pork chops in the crockpot. This helps to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
Add enough liquid: Ensure that there is enough liquid in the crockpot to keep the pork chops moist. Use the recommended amount of stock and adjust if needed. The liquid also helps to create a flavorful sauce.
Cook on low heat: For tender and juicy pork chops, it’s best to cook them on low heat. This allows the meat to cook slowly and become tender without drying out. Avoid cooking on high heat as it may result in tough pork chops.
Avoid overcooking: Pork chops can become dry and tough if overcooked in the crockpot. Follow the recommended cooking times, but also keep an eye on the chops. They should be cooked until tender, but not falling apart.
Test for doneness: To ensure the pork chops are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork chops are safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145ยฐF (63ยฐC).
Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the pork chops from the crockpot once cooked and whisk in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the remaining liquid. Cook on high heat for a few minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Rest before serving: Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps to keep the meat moist and tender.
FAQs
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops in the crockpot. However, bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful and moist. If using boneless chops, be mindful of the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in chops.
It’s not reccomended to cook frozen pork chops in the slow cooker for the best food safety practices and for the best texture – but you can make this recipe from frozen pork chops. You’ll need to increase cooktime at least an hour, and watch the pork’s temperature as it cooks. Be sure to heat to well over pork’s suggested temperature of 145 degrees F.
It is recommended to brown the pork chops before adding them to the crockpot. Searing the chops adds flavor and creates a nice texture on the outside. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the flavor and appearance may be slightly different.
The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops and the heat setting of your crockpot. Generally, bone-in pork chops cook well on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Boneless chops may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
To prevent dryness, it’s important not to overcook the pork chops. Follow the recommended cooking times, and check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Cook the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC) and then remove them from the crockpot.
Yes, you can add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the crockpot along with the pork chops. Just keep in mind the cooking times of the vegetables and adjust accordingly. Dense vegetables like potatoes may require longer cooking times than the pork chops.
To thicken the sauce, you can whisk together a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) and stir it into the sauce in the crockpot. Cook on high heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Yes, you can make substitutions based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you can use different types of olives, substitute the stock with wine or apple juice, or adjust the seasonings to your liking. Just keep in mind that flavor profiles may vary with substitutions.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Pork Chops
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting choice. They complement the tender pork chops and are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roast some seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. The caramelization adds a lovely flavor and texture to the meal.
Rice Pilaf: Serve the pork chops over a bed of flavorful rice pilaf. You can prepare it with aromatic herbs, spices, and even add some diced vegetables for added color and nutrition. You can also make rice pilaf with wild rice for a nuttier, earthier flavor.
Steamed Vegetables: Opt for a healthier option by steaming vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans. They provide a fresh and vibrant contrast to the rich pork chops.
Salad: A refreshing salad can lighten up the meal. Choose a green Greek salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. Alternatively, a creamy coleslaw can also be a great option.
Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes make a delicious and satisfying side dish. Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roast them until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread as a side dish. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture complements the flavors of the pork chops.
Applesauce: The natural sweetness of applesauce provides a delightful contrast to the savory pork chops. It’s a classic pairing that adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are always a crowd-pleaser. They can be used to make mini pork chop sliders or simply served on the side for mopping up the sauce.
Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe
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Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large white onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup stock, chicken or vegetable
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and dried oregano on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step helps to seal in the flavors.
- Transfer the seared pork chops to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sautรฉ for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add the sautรฉed onions and garlic to the crockpot, spreading them evenly over the pork chops.
- Pour the stock over the pork chops, ensuring they are partially submerged. Add more stock if needed.
- Scatter the sliced olives on top.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The pork chops should become tender and juicy.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the pork chops from the crockpot and transfer them to a serving platter.
- If desired, you can thicken the sauce remaining in the crockpot. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the sauce. Cook on high heat for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the pork chops and serve hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.