If you love tender pork chops covered in rich, creamy gravy, this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Butter Smothered Pork Chops recipe is exactly the kind of easy comfort food worth keeping in your dinner rotation.
This slow cooker pork chop recipe combines juicy boneless pork chops, buttery onions, creamy mushroom soup, and savory chicken broth to create a rich sauce that practically begs to be spooned over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Best of all, you only need five simple ingredients. There is no complicated preparation, no long ingredient list, and very little hands-on cooking. Once everything goes into the slow cooker, you can let it do the work while you take care of the rest of your day.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, an old-fashioned family meal, or a cozy Sunday supper, these butter smothered pork chops deliver plenty of flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Pork Chops
There are plenty of reasons this recipe has the kind of old-fashioned comfort-food appeal that keeps people coming back.
Only 5 Ingredients
You don’t need a long shopping list. Five everyday ingredients create a surprisingly rich and satisfying dinner.
Creamy, Savory Gravy
The cream of mushroom soup combines with chicken broth, butter, and onions to create a creamy sauce that coats every bite of pork.
The Slow Cooker Does the Work
After a few simple preparation steps, the slow cooker takes over. That makes this recipe especially convenient for busy evenings.
Great for Family Dinner
Pork chops and gravy are easy to pair with inexpensive side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or green beans.
Perfect Comfort Food
The combination of tender pork, buttery onions, and creamy gravy has that classic home-cooked flavor that makes an ordinary dinner feel special.
Ingredients
For this easy slow cooker pork chop recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless pork chops, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Optional salt and black pepper can be added to taste, but they are not necessary for the five-ingredient base recipe.
Choosing the Best Pork Chops
Boneless pork chops work particularly well because they cook evenly and are easy to serve.
Look for chops that are around 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Very thin pork chops can cook quickly and may become dry if left in the slow cooker too long.
Bone-in pork chops can also be used, but cooking time may vary depending on their thickness.
For the most tender result, avoid treating lean pork chops like a large pork shoulder. Pork chops don’t need an all-day slow-cooking time.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Butter Smothered Pork Chops
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper if desired.
For extra flavor, you can quickly brown the pork chops in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional, but browning adds a deeper savory flavor.
If you’re short on time, you can skip it completely.
Step 2: Add the Onions
Place the sliced yellow onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Spread the onions into an even layer.
The onions will slowly soften during cooking and become part of the creamy gravy.
Step 3: Add the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops over the onions.
Try to arrange them in a single layer when possible so the sauce can surround the meat evenly.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until reasonably smooth.
Pour the mixture over the pork chops.
Then add the softened butter in small pieces across the top.
As the slow cooker heats, the butter melts into the sauce and adds richness.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook according to your preferred setting:
LOW: about 3 to 4 hours
HIGH: about 2 to 3 hours
Cooking time depends on the thickness of your pork chops and the temperature of your slow cooker.
The most important thing is not to cook lean pork chops far beyond the point of doneness.
For food safety, whole-muscle pork should reach at least 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, followed by a 3-minute rest.
Step 6: Check the Gravy
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove the chops.
Stir the sauce and onions together.
If you want a thicker gravy, you can transfer some of the sauce to a saucepan and simmer it briefly, or use a simple cornstarch slurry.
To make a slurry, mix:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water
Stir it into the hot sauce and cook until thickened.
Step 7: Serve
Place the pork chops on a serving platter and spoon plenty of the creamy butter-onion gravy over the top.
Serve immediately with your favorite comfort-food sides.
Helpful Tips for the Best Butter Smothered Pork Chops
Don’t Overcook the Pork
Pork chops are leaner than pork shoulder, so they don’t need hours and hours of cooking.
Start checking thicker chops toward the earlier end of the cooking range.
Use Low-Sodium Broth
Cream of mushroom soup already contains salt. Low-sodium chicken broth gives you more control over the final flavor.
Brown the Pork for Extra Flavor
Browning isn’t required, but it creates a flavorful exterior and gives the finished dish a deeper, more savory taste.
Slice the Onion Thinly
Thinly sliced onions soften more easily and blend beautifully into the gravy.
Don’t Add Extra Water
The soup and broth provide enough liquid for the sauce. Adding too much liquid can make the gravy thinner than you want.
Let the Pork Rest
After removing the pork chops from the slow cooker, let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
This helps keep the meat juicy.
How to Make the Gravy Thicker
If you prefer a thick, spoonable gravy, there are several easy options.
The simplest method is to remove the pork chops and let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
For a faster method, use a cornstarch slurry.
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir until smooth, then add it gradually to the hot gravy.
Stir until the sauce thickens.
Avoid adding dry cornstarch directly to the slow cooker because it can form lumps.
Can I Brown the Pork Chops First?
Yes.
Although this recipe is designed to be easy and convenient, browning the pork chops first can add another layer of flavor.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork chops briefly on both sides.
You don’t need to cook them through in the skillet. The slow cooker will finish the cooking.
Then transfer them to the slow cooker and continue with the recipe.
What to Serve With Butter Smothered Pork Chops
The creamy gravy makes these pork chops especially good with simple side dishes.
Mashed Potatoes
This is probably one of the best choices. The creamy gravy can be spooned directly over the mashed potatoes.
Egg Noodles
Wide egg noodles are another classic pairing. Toss them with a little butter and serve the pork and gravy over the top.
White Rice
Rice is inexpensive and excellent for soaking up the mushroom-onion sauce.
Green Beans
Fresh or steamed green beans add color and freshness to the rich pork dish.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower make excellent sides.
Dinner Rolls
Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy gravy.
Easy Variations
Once you’ve made the basic recipe, you can customize it in several ways.
Mushroom Pork Chops
Add sliced mushrooms for even more mushroom flavor.
Onion and Mushroom Pork Chops
Combine extra sliced mushrooms with the yellow onion for a heartier gravy.
Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Add minced garlic for a stronger savory flavor.
Herb Pork Chops
A little dried thyme, parsley, or Italian seasoning can give the gravy a more herb-forward flavor.
Cheesy Pork Chops
Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or another melting cheese over the pork during the final few minutes of cooking.
Pork Chops With Vegetables
Add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or green beans for a more complete one-pot-style meal.
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops?
Yes.
Bone-in pork chops can be substituted for boneless chops.
However, thickness varies considerably, so don’t rely only on the clock.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest portion of the meat.
The pork should reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
Can I Use Pork Loin Instead?
A pork loin roast is a different cut and should not simply be substituted using the same cooking time.
Pork loin is a larger roast and behaves differently from individual pork chops.
For this particular recipe, boneless pork chops are the easiest choice.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops
Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container.
They can generally be kept refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.
Keep the pork and gravy together whenever possible because the sauce helps prevent the meat from drying out.
How to Reheat
The best way to reheat these pork chops is gently.
Place the pork and gravy in a covered skillet over low heat.
Add a small splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Heat until warmed through.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave using short intervals and moderate power.
Avoid overheating because pork chops can become dry when reheated aggressively.
Can You Freeze Butter Smothered Pork Chops?
Yes.
Place the cooled pork chops and gravy in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to about 2 to 3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Because the recipe contains a creamy sauce, the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but stirring the sauce well during reheating can help bring it back together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pork chops without browning them?
Absolutely. Browning is optional. The slow cooker will still produce tender pork chops and a flavorful creamy sauce.
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes. Cream of chicken soup is an easy substitute if you prefer a milder flavor or don’t have cream of mushroom soup available.
Why did my pork chops become dry?
Pork chops are relatively lean. If they’re cooked significantly longer than necessary, they can become dry. Thinner chops may need less time than thicker chops.
Can I use frozen pork chops?
For the most predictable cooking and food-safety results, thaw pork chops in the refrigerator before putting them into the slow cooker.
Can I make the gravy thicker?
Yes. Remove the pork chops and use a cornstarch slurry or briefly simmer the gravy until it reaches your preferred consistency.
What kind of onion works best?
Yellow onions are an excellent choice because they become soft and sweet as they cook. White or sweet onions can also work.
What is the best side dish for these pork chops?
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice because they soak up the creamy gravy. Egg noodles, rice, green beans, and dinner rolls are also excellent options.
Recipe Card
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Butter Smothered Pork Chops
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork chops, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Directions
- Pat the pork chops dry and season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the pork chops over the onions.
- Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the pork chops.
- Add the softened butter in small pieces over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, depending on thickness.
- Check the thickest pork chop with an instant-read thermometer. Pork should reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
- Remove the pork chops and stir the onions and gravy.
- If desired, thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry.
- Serve the pork chops hot with plenty of creamy butter-onion gravy.
Final Thoughts
These 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Butter Smothered Pork Chops are the kind of simple dinner that proves you don’t need a complicated recipe to make a satisfying homemade meal.
Tender pork chops, buttery onions, creamy mushroom gravy, and a few hours in the slow cooker create a comforting dinner that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but cozy enough for Sunday supper.
Serve them over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, add a simple green vegetable on the side, and you’ve got an easy family meal with plenty of old-fashioned comfort-food flavor.