These creamy ranch slow-cooker pork chops are pure comfort food! Tender pork chops are simmered with a flavorful ranch sauce that’s rich and delicious.
It’s so easy to make—just set it and forget it! I love pairing these with mashed potatoes to soak up all that yummy sauce. You’ll want seconds, trust me! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops bring extra flavor, but you can use boneless if preferred. Just be aware they may cook more quickly. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, turkey chops are a decent alternative!
Ranch Seasoning: The seasoning mix gives a great flavor boost. If you don’t have a packet, you can make your own using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. It’s a fun way to customize the taste!
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy, but you can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter option. For dairy-free, use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk with a bit of cornstarch for thickness.
Chicken Broth: If you’re out, vegetable broth works well too. You could even use water with a splash of soy sauce for a bit of flavor. Homemade broth is always the best option if you have it!
What’s the Best Way to Sear Pork Chops?
Searing adds flavor and a nice texture to your pork chops before slow cooking. Follow these simple steps to get it just right:
- Start with room temperature chops. Let them sit out for about 20-30 minutes before cooking.
- Pat the chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a good sear.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add your oil. Wait until the oil shimmers.
- Carefully place the chops in the skillet, and don’t overcrowd them. You want to hear that sizzle!
- Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove them to add to the slow cooker.
This step is crucial for locking in those flavors! Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Ranch Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: mashed potatoes or rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let the slow cooker do its magic! It takes around 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-6 hours on LOW. So, it’s perfect for a leisurely dinner, just set it and relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning your pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure they’re coated well for maximum flavor!
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re a nice golden brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and heavy cream until everything is well combined and smooth. This will be the delicious sauce that brings everything together!
4. Setting Up the Slow Cooker:
Place the seared pork chops in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Then, pour the ranch cream mixture evenly over the top of the pork chops. Sprinkle the dried parsley on top for added flavor.
5. Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. You want the pork chops to be nice and tender, so they easily fall apart with a fork!
6. Serving:
Once they’re done cooking, carefully serve the pork chops with the creamy ranch sauce spooned over the top. Don’t forget to add extra parsley for garnish! This dish is perfect when paired with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your scrumptious and comforting creamy ranch slow-cooker pork chops! Perfect for a hassle-free dinner that’s sure to impress!
FAQ for Creamy Ranch Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be careful, as they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Check for doneness after 2 hours on HIGH or 4 hours on LOW to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning Mix?
No problem! You can easily make your own blend using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder—adjust to your taste for a homemade ranch flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
To lighten the dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or even a blend of non-dairy milk with cornstarch for a creamy texture without all the calories!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork chops and the ranch sauce the night before. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. This can help deepen the flavors even more!
