When the school year gets busy and supper needs to take care of itself, a slow cooker pork chop meal like this is a real blessing. Thin-cut bone-in pork chops may not look fancy going in, but with just a handful of pantry staples they turn into a tender, savory dinner that feels like something your family waited all day for. This kind of simple cooking has long been a comfort in Midwestern kitchens, where making the most of basic ingredients has always been part of feeding folks well.
Serve these pork chops over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice so none of that rich gravy goes to waste. A side of green beans, sweet corn, or a crisp garden salad rounds things out nicely, and warm biscuits or a slice of bread make this an especially welcome supper on a busy weeknight.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Back to School Simplicity Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 raw thin-cut bone-in pork chops
1 packet ranch seasoning mix, about 1 ounce
1 packet brown gravy mix, about 0.87 to 1 ounce
1 can cream of chicken soup, 10.5 ounces
1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker insert with a little cooking spray or oil if desired, then lay the raw thin-cut bone-in pork chops in an even layer across the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning, brown gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture evenly over the pork chops, making sure each chop gets covered well.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through. Thin-cut chops cook faster than thicker ones, so avoid overcooking.
5. Gently spoon some of the gravy over the chops before serving, then plate with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Variations & Tips
For a richer gravy: Use 3/4 cup chicken broth if you like a little more sauce for spooning over potatoes or noodles. If the gravy seems thinner than you want at the end, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Add onions: A sliced onion tucked under or over the pork chops adds sweetness and a little extra homestyle flavor without making the recipe much harder.
Try mushrooms: Stir in a handful of sliced mushrooms with the sauce for an earthy flavor that goes especially well with the gravy.
Watch the timing: Thin-cut pork chops can go from tender to a little dry if left too long, so start checking close to the 4-hour mark if your slow cooker runs hot.
Make it a full meal: If you want to stretch supper, serve the pork chops over rice or mashed potatoes and add a vegetable on the side. That simple gravy ties the whole plate together beautifully.