Crispy slow-cooked pork chops garnished with herbs

Crispy Slow-Cooked Pork Chops: Juicy & Tender Perfection

Name: Crispy Slow-Cooked Pork Chops: Juicy & Tender Perfection
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 50 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces Bone-in pork chops, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick (choose chops with a bit of marbling for flavor); 1 tsp Salt (use kosher or sea salt for best flavor); 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper (freshly ground if possible); 0.5 tsp Garlic powder (optional, for extra aroma); 0.5 tsp Paprika (optional, for color and mild smokiness); 2 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil; 1 tbsp Butter (for crisping and flavor); 2-3 sprigs Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for flavor during crisping)

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Pork: Easy and Delicious Recipes

easy

1 hour 50 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories450kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat25gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Bone-in pork chops, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick (choose chops with a bit of marbling for flavor)4 pieces
Salt (use kosher or sea salt for best flavor)1 tsp
Ground black pepper (freshly ground if possible)0.5 tsp
Garlic powder (optional, for extra aroma)0.5 tsp
Paprika (optional, for color and mild smokiness)0.5 tsp
Olive oil or vegetable oil2 tbsp
Butter (for crisping and flavor)1 tbsp
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for flavor during crisping)2-3 sprigs

Enjoy the best of both worlds with this recipe for slow-cooked pork chops that are incredibly tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. This foolproof method combines gentle slow cooking to keep the pork juicy with a final high-heat crisping stage that forms an irresistible crust. You'll get juicy, flavorful pork chops without drying them out or sacrificing taste! Total cost of ingredients is approximately $10, €9, £8, and ₹700. Each serving contains about 450 kcal, suitable for a balanced omnivorous diet. Level: easy. Total cooking time is about 2 hours.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the pork chops

1Pat the pork chops dry thoroughly with paper towels to help achieve a crispy crust. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Set aside for 10 minutes.

Slow cook the pork chops

2Place a slow cooker insert or heavy pan on low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add pork chops and cook on low for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone. This slow cooking ensures juicy, tender meat.

Rest the pork chops

3Remove pork chops and place on a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let them rest for 10 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, keeping it moist.

Crisp the pork chops

4Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and butter along with fresh herbs if using. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the pork chops. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until a golden-brown crispy crust forms. Do not overcrowd the pan for even crisping.

Serve and enjoy

5Transfer the crispy pork chops to plates and serve immediately. Be sure to serve hot and enjoy! Leftovers must be refrigerated promptly within 2 hours.

Cooking Tips

1Always use a clean meat thermometer and avoid touching bone when measuring temperature for safety and accuracy.

2Drying the pork chops before seasoning is key to getting a crispy crust during searing.

3Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw pork.

4For a lower-fat option, use lean pork chops and use a non-stick skillet to reduce oil needed.

5If you do not have a slow cooker, you can cook pork chops covered at low heat in a heavy pan or oven at 120°C (250°F) before crisping.

Equipment

Slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pan with lid
Meat thermometer
Cast iron skillet or heavy frying pan
Tongs
Paper towels

Shopping List

[ ] Bone-in pork chops (4 pieces, about 2.5 cm thick) - approx. $8
[ ] Salt (kosher or sea salt) - approx. $0.20
[ ] Ground black pepper - approx. $0.15
[ ] Garlic powder - approx. $0.15
[ ] Paprika - approx. $0.15
[ ] Olive oil or vegetable oil - approx. $0.50
[ ] Butter - approx. $0.50
[ ] Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) - approx. $1

Tips: Select pork chops with a nice pink color and some marbling for juiciness. Choose fresh herbs with vibrant green leaves for best flavor.

FAQ

Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes, but boneless pork chops can dry out faster. Reduce slow cooking time accordingly and watch the internal temperature carefully.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

While not ideal for safety, you can cook the pork chops until juices run clear and meat is firm but it’s best to invest in a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.

Can I skip the slow cooking and just pan fry?

You can pan fry alone, but the slow cooking step ensures tender, juicy meat before crisping. Pan frying without slow cooking may result in less tender pork.