Slow Cooker Creamy Celery Pork Chops

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Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Celery Pork Chops

Description

Thick-cut pork chops are slow-simmered in a savory blend of cream of celery soup, aromatic herbs, and fresh diced celery. The low and slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the pork, resulting in a “melt-in-your-mouth” texture, while the celery adds a bright, slightly crunch-to-soft contrast and deepens the savory base.

Ingredients

  • Pork: 4 to 6 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1-inch thick is best).

  • Sauce Base: 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of celery soup.

  • Vegetables: 2 cups fresh celery, diced (as seen in the photo).

  • Aromatics: 1 small yellow onion, finely diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced.

  • Liquid: $1/2$ cup chicken broth or milk (for extra creaminess).

  • Seasoning: 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper to taste.

  • Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for depth.

Instructions

  1. Prep: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.

  2. Layer: Place the diced onions and half of the diced celery at the bottom of the slow cooker.

  3. Arrange: Lay the pork chops on top of the vegetables.

  4. Mix & Pour: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, chicken broth (or milk), garlic, dried herbs, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the chops.

  5. Top: Sprinkle the remaining diced celery over the top.

  6. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and is fork-tender.

Tips for Success

  • The Sear: For a deeper flavor and better appearance (like the golden edges in the photo), sear the pork chops in a skillet with a little oil for 2 minutes per side before putting them in the crockpot.

  • Thickness Matters: Avoid “thin-cut” breakfast chops; they tend to dry out. Use chops at least 1-inch thick.

  • Don’t Peek: Keep the lid closed! Opening it releases heat and can add 15–20 minutes to your cook time.

Servings & Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Serves: 4–6 people

  • Calories: ~320 kcal

  • Protein: 28g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbs: 9g

  • Sodium: 850mg (Note: Canned soups are high in salt; use “Low Sodium” versions to control this).

Benefits

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable cuts of meat.

  • Minimal Effort: Requires less than 10 minutes of active prep time.

  • High Protein: An excellent source of lean protein and essential B vitamins.

Q&A

Q: Can I use Cream of Mushroom instead?

A: Absolutely. However, using Cream of Celery (as pictured) gives a lighter, more “garden-fresh” flavor profile compared to the earthy tone of mushroom.

Q: My sauce is too thin. How do I fix it?

A: 30 minutes before serving, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of cold water. Stir this “slurry” into the slow cooker and turn it to High until the sauce thickens.

Q: What should I serve this with?

A: This gravy is liquid gold. It is best served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed white rice to soak up the sauce.

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