Smothered Pork Chops and Gravy (Slow Cooker)

Gather the family for a comforting homemade dinner of southern-style slow cooker smothered pork chops and gravy. Cook these in the slow cooker or oven for a tender, juicy, and flavourful meal.

2-3 lbs pork chops
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked
2-3 Tbsp. butter or cooking oil

Mushroom and Onion Gravy:
1 cup onion, chopped
½ cup celery, chopped
2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
¼ cup fresh garlic, finely chopped
¾ cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half cream
2 tsp. dried thyme, rosemary or sage
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked

Quick Fry the Pork Chops:
Remove the chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan on starting, this will give them time to reach room temperature. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.

Pour the vegetable oil into a skillet and warm it up over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, start adding in the pork chops. Fry each side of the chops for about 30-40 seconds, then remove from the oil and set to the side.

Make the Homemade Onion Gravy:
Toss the onions and celery into the leftover oil and fry until they are translucent. Add the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the vegetables are coated. Cook until the flour turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to prevent lumps.

Next, pour in the half-and-half and stir. Add in the thyme, taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

Stir, until everything is well incorporated and turn the heat off.

Slow Cooker Method:
Place the pork chops into the slow cooker. Pour the gravy all over the pork chops.

Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours. The correct temperature should be 145°F, which means you can take the chops out when they are 140°F and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Oven Method:
Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4). Place the pork chops into a 9x15" bake dish.

Pour the gravy all over the pork chops. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.

Bake for 1 hour and 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes, then serve.

Makes 4 servings.