Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh garlic, quality parmesan, and thick-cut pork chops really make all the difference. I always recommend choosing pork chops with a bit of marbling; it keeps the meat juicy during the slow cooking process. When I first started experimenting with slow cooker meals, I realized the importance of layering flavours rather than just dumping everything in. That’s why this recipe includes simple but impactful ingredients that come together beautifully.
- 4 thick-cut pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
If you want a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. For a vegetarian twist, consider substituting pork chops with thick slices of eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Don’t be shy here—seasoning is key to good flavour.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. This step locks in the juices and adds a lovely depth of flavour.
- Transfer the seared pork chops to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Let the sauce warm slightly, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The pork chops should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Before serving, give the sauce a gentle stir and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a pop of colour and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
