If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor, then Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops are the perfect solution. This dish brings together tender pork chops and the irresistible zest of ranch seasoning, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your family on the weekend, this recipe is a go-to that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

For more tips on perfect slow cooking techniques, check out this slow cooker guide, which covers everything from cooking times to tips for achieving the best textures. You’ll find it’s a valuable resource for getting the most out of your slow cooker, especially when making dishes like these ranch pork chops.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops are beloved for their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and mouthwatering results. Here are just a few reasons why this dish should be added to your regular meal rotation:

Minimal Prep Time: Simply season, mix, and let your slow cooker do the work.
Flavorful & Tender: The slow cooking process ensures that the pork chops are juicy and tender every time.
Versatile: You can add vegetables, switch out ingredients, or adjust the flavor profile based on your preferences.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great option for family meals.

Additionally, if you’re looking to make this recipe more accessible to dietary restrictions, this guide to gluten-free cooking can offer alternative ingredient suggestions that work well with the flavors of ranch seasoning.

What You Need for Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops

To make these slow cooker ranch pork chops, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference. Bone-in chops will provide extra flavor and moisture.
Ranch Dressing Mix: The key ingredient that gives this dish its signature creamy and zesty flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds richness and moisture to the pork chops, ensuring they don’t dry out during the slow-cooking process.
Additional Seasonings: While the ranch seasoning does most of the work, adding extra garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper can enhance the flavor.

You can adjust the seasoning to your personal taste. For a more robust flavor, feel free to add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary. These will infuse the pork chops with additional depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops

1. Prepare the Pork Chops

Start by seasoning the pork chops with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you like. Some people prefer to sear the pork chops in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker to create a caramelized outer layer and deepen the flavor. However, this step is optional; you can still achieve juicy pork chops without searing them.

Searing: If you decide to sear, do so over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes on each side until browned.
No searing: Simply season the pork chops and place them directly into the slow cooker.

2. Prepare the Ranch Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix with the cream of chicken soup. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the seasoning is evenly distributed. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Optional Add-ins: Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or other herbs for extra flavor.

This ranch sauce will help to keep the pork chops moist during cooking, infusing them with flavor and creating a creamy gravy.

3. Place Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned pork chops at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the ranch sauce mixture over the top of the chops, ensuring they are well-coated. If you like, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or onions to the slow cooker, which will soak up the flavor of the sauce as it cooks.

Vegetable Additions: Try adding peeled baby potatoes or sliced carrots for a complete one-pot meal. These will cook alongside the pork and take on the delicious ranch flavor.

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Allow the pork chops to cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until they are tender and easily pull apart.

4. Check for Tenderness

The key to this dish is tenderness. After the cooking time is up, check the pork chops with a fork to ensure they are fork-tender and easily shred. If not, allow them to cook for a little longer until the desired texture is reached.

Variations and Customizations for Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops

While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own. Here are some ideas for customizing the recipe:

Add Vegetables

You can turn this dish into a complete meal by adding hearty vegetables. Consider the following options:

Potatoes: Add quartered baby potatoes to the slow cooker for a delicious, creamy side.
Carrots: Slice up carrots for a sweet contrast to the savory pork chops.
Onions: Yellow or red onions will add a bit of sweetness and depth to the flavor.

The slow cooker will infuse these vegetables with the ranch flavor, making them the perfect complement to the tender pork.

Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat in your food, consider adding some chili flakes, jalapeño slices, or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the ranch sauce mixture. This will give the dish a nice spicy kick without overpowering the ranch flavor.

Chili flakes: Adds a gentle heat and is easy to control.
Sriracha: If you want a more distinct spice, a dash of sriracha will bring some fire to the dish.

Keto and Gluten-Free Options

For a low-carb or gluten-free version of this recipe, consider these adjustments:

Keto: Swap the cream of chicken soup for a homemade keto-friendly version made with heavy cream and chicken broth.
Gluten-Free: Ensure that the ranch seasoning mix and any soups you use are gluten-free. There are plenty of gluten-free ranch mixes available, or you can make your own at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen pork chops? Yes, you can use frozen pork chops in this recipe! However, if using frozen pork chops, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so.

How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat on the stovetop with a bit of added liquid if needed.

Can I use chicken instead of pork? Yes, this recipe works just as well with chicken breasts or thighs. Be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops are the epitome of comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it does all the hard work for you, leaving you with a tender, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

By experimenting with different variations—whether adding vegetables, spicing things up, or customizing the recipe to meet dietary needs—you can make this dish your own. The creamy, tangy ranch sauce combined with the tender pork chops makes for a winning meal that is as easy as it is delicious.

Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Tender pork chops slow-cooked in a creamy, zesty ranch sauce for a comforting and effortless meal.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless or bone-in pork chops
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
Place the pork chops in the slow cooker and pour the ranch mixture over them.
Add butter on top of the mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender.
Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the pork chops in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pork chop
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: pork chops, slow cooker, ranch, easy dinner