CROCK POT SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS AND RICE RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub over both sides of pork chops.
• Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted. Add the pork chops to the pan and brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove pork chops to a clean plate.
• Add the onion and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
• Stir in the flour followed by the chicken broth. Cook, stirring and scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, for a few minutes until the broth simmers and thickens. It should lightly coat the back of a spatula. Remove pan from the heat.
• Pour the contents of the skillet into the slow cooker. Place the pork chops on top. Cover and cook on low setting for 1 ½ to 3 hours. Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145° F. (In my slow cooker, 1-inch thick boneless pork chops need about 1 ½-2 hours to cook through and bone-in take about 2 ½-3 hours.) Try to avoid over-cooking the pork chops, as that will make them dry.*
• Optional: To further thicken the gravy, remove the cooked pork chops to a clean plate and cover with foil. Turn the slow cooker up to high. In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, until the gravy thickens slightly. (Alternatively, you can heat the gravy in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring, for a few minutes until thickened.)
• Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Serve pork chops with mushroom gravy.