This simple slow cooker pork chop recipe requires just three ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy days. With the creaminess of condensed soup and the tangy zest of ranch dressing mix, these pork chops turn out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Just set it up in the morning, and come back to a delicious dinner ready to serve. Enjoy this easy, comforting meal alongside your favorite sides!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Effortless and Quick to Prep: With only three ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for days when you’re short on time.
Tender and Flavorful: Slow-cooked pork chops become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the creamy ranch-flavored sauce adds a rich, delicious taste.
Budget-Friendly: Simple, affordable ingredients make this a cost-effective choice without compromising on flavor.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the soup flavor or add extra spices to cater to different tastes.
Key Ingredients:
Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless pork chops both work well for this recipe. Bone-in chops tend to be a bit more flavorful and may hold together better after slow cooking. Opt for chops that are at least ¾-inch thick to keep them from drying out.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The cream of chicken soup provides a creamy texture and a savory base. Cream of mushroom is a great alternative for a deeper, earthy flavor. You could also use cream of celery soup for a slightly different twist.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This mix is the secret to adding tangy, herby notes to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using half a packet or creating your own ranch blend with dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Make sure your slow cooker is clean. Optionally, place a slow cooker liner inside for easier cleanup.
Place the Pork Chops: Rinse 4 pork chops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange the pork chops in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
2. Add the Cream of Chicken Soup
Add the Soup: Pour a can of cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom, if preferred) over the pork chops.
Add Water: Fill the empty soup can with water and pour it into the slow cooker. This additional liquid will create a sauce and prevent the pork chops from drying out.
3. Incorporate the Ranch Dressing Mix
Add Ranch Mix: Sprinkle a packet of ranch dressing mix evenly over the soup-covered pork chops. You can adjust the amount of mix to taste if you prefer a milder flavor.
4. Slow Cooking
Cook the Pork Chops: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for approximately 6 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and may lengthen the cooking time. The slow cooking method will yield tender, flavorful pork chops.
5. Serving
Remove and Serve: After 6 hours, check the pork chops for tenderness. Use tongs or a spatula to gently remove the pork chops, as they may be very tender.
Serve: Plate the pork chops with sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up the sauce, and consider adding a vegetable side like steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This slow-cooker pork chop recipe pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious ranch-infused sauce.
Rice or Egg Noodles: These make a great base for the pork chops and provide additional texture to the meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a pop of color and nutrition to the plate.
Dinner Rolls or Biscuits: Use these to sop up any remaining sauce for a satisfying bite.
Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pork chops.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
This recipe is excellent for meal prep, as it stores well and reheats beautifully.
Storage: Place leftover pork chops in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These pork chops freeze well, making them ideal for batch cooking. Place the cooked pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pork chops and sauce in a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring the sauce each time for even heating.
Meal Prep Idea: For a quick and easy lunch or dinner option, portion the pork chops with sauce into meal prep containers along with a side of rice or mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Recipe Variations:
Creamy Herb Variation: Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce toward the end of cooking. Stir it in for a creamier, tangier sauce.
Spicy Ranch Pork Chops: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for a bit of heat.
Garlic Ranch: Add 1-2 minced garlic cloves to the soup mixture for an added depth of flavor that complements the ranch seasoning.
Italian-Style Pork Chops: Use an Italian dressing mix instead of ranch, and add a sprinkle of Italian herbs like basil and oregano for an Italian-inspired twist.
Mushroom Lovers’ Version: Use cream of mushroom soup and add a handful of sliced fresh mushrooms to the slow cooker for a savory, mushroom-infused sauce.
Conclusion:
This 3-ingredient slow cooker pork chop recipe is a great go-to for those nights when you’re craving a home-cooked meal without the hassle. It’s easy to prepare, requires just a few minutes of hands-on time, and results in tender, flavorful pork chops that everyone will love. The slow cooking process ensures each pork chop is juicy and infused with the creamy, ranch-flavored sauce that pairs well with almost any side.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or prepping it for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Give it a try, and enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness it brings to your table.
