This is my favorite Southern recipe and now I finally found the slow cooker version!

Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops embody the essence of comfort food, offering a hearty and flavorful experience that's reminiscent of Southern cooking. Though the exact origins of smothered pork chops are not clear, this technique of cooking meat low and slow, drowned in a rich gravy, is a staple within Southern cuisine and has been passed down through generations. Utilizing a slow cooker for this dish not only makes it incredibly tender but also imbues it with profound savory flavors, creating an uncomplicated meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

This recipe is quite versatile when it comes to serving options and is best enjoyed with sides that can soak up the delectable gravy. Classic accompaniments include creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttery egg noodles. For a more balanced meal, adding a side of green beans, sautéed spinach, or collard greens can introduce a refreshing contrast to the rich pork chops. A crusty loaf of bread can also serve as the perfect vehicle to mop up any leftover gravy on your plate. No matter what you serve it with, Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season both sides of the pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them until they are golden brown on each side, about 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer the pork chops to the slow cooker.

2. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and soft. Scatter the cooked onions and garlic over the pork chops in the slow cooker.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Pour this mixture over the chops and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring that the pork chops are well-covered.

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are very tender.

5. Once cooked, carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and plate them. If desired, you can serve the gravy as is or thicken it by using a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir into the gravy and cook for a few more minutes until thickened).

6. Spoon the gravy over the pork chops and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with your chosen sides and enjoy the satisfying richness of Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops.