Hey there, foodie friends! Are you ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey into the world of slow-cooked goodness? Well, you're in for a treat because today, we're diving headfirst into the delectable universe of Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops.
Picture this: juicy, tender pork chops, generously seasoned with zesty ranch seasoning, and smothered in a creamy, dreamy gravy. It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth
But that's not all, folks. We've got a few kitchen tricks up our sleeves, including turning this recipe into a freezer meal for those "I-don't-feel-like-cooking" days and exploring alternative cooking methods like the Instant Pot, stovetop, and more.
So, whether you're a busy bee looking for a no-fuss dinner, a seasoned cook searching for the next family favorite, or a beginner eager to impress your taste buds, you're in the right place. We've got all the juicy details, step-by-step instructions, and side dish suggestions you need to make your taste buds sing.
Let's get ready to rumble in the kitchen and whip up some unforgettable Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops.
Why Use the Crockpot to Make Ranch Pork Chops?
If you're wondering why the crockpot is your new best friend for making our Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops, we've got some delicious reasons for you:
Ingredients for Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops:
- Thick-cut pork chops (bone-in for extra flavor)
- Ranch dressing mix for that zesty kick
- Creamy chicken gravy to elevate the dish
- A touch of butter for that rich goodness
Perks For Using Your Slow Cooker
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Effortless Cooking: With your crockpot, it's basically a "set it and forget it" situation. Just toss in the ingredients, and your slow cooker does the rest. No constant monitoring or stirring required.
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Tender Perfection: Slow cooking in your crockpot ensures that those pork chops become melt-in-your-mouth tender. You'll be amazed at the succulent results.
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Flavor Infusion: The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors of ranch seasoning and creamy gravy to meld beautifully with the pork chops, creating a taste explosion you won't forget.
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Hands-Free Convenience: It's a real time-saver. While your meal simmers away in the crockpot, you can focus on other tasks or simply relax.
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Versatility: The crockpot makes it easy to adapt this recipe to your schedule. You can prep it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-enjoy dinner.
So, go ahead and let your crockpot work its magic with these Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops – you won't be disappointed!
Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops Step-by-Step
For these crockpot ranch pork chops, you just do a couple layers. Well, sorta layers anyways. Most crockpot cooking seems to do better with layers. It cooks more evenly. It’s best to spray or butter the slow cooker insert before you add the chops. But other than that…it’s just pork chops, ranch then the gravy mix.
But I digress a bit. For THIS recipe...It’s best to spray or butter the slow cooker insert before you add the chops. But other than that, it’s just pork chops, ranch then the gravy mix.
Then just cover and cook for 6 to 8 hours on low. I’ve NOT made them on high. I’ve heard other people do it with really good results…NOT so for me personally. I’ve never had decent results for any pork chop recipe on the high setting. So I personally stick with low. Almost always.
It might just be my personal taste when it comes to pork chop texture. I prefer it sorta falls apart. Like “cut it with a fork” texture.
Any time I’ve tried crock pot pork chops on high, a knife is required. And a lot of chewing. SOOOO, for me, low is the answer. If you decide to try for high, go for 3 ½ or 4 hours. They’ll be cooked, but I can’t guarantee they’ll be tender.
Turning Your Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops into a Freezer Meal
You bet you can turn these scrumptious Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops into a freezer meal, and we're here to guide you through it with a big smile! 🌟
Can You Freeze It?
Absolutely! You've got two cool options: freeze it before cooking or after, and both will work like a charm.
Prep Work for Freezing:
- Start by grabbing those thick-cut pork chops (bone-in for the win!) and sprinkling them generously with ranch dressing mix. Give them some love!
- Next, place those ranch-seasoned chops into a trusty 1-gallon freezer bag. Make sure it's a snug fit.
- Lay your freezer bag flat, and here's the trick: remove as much air as humanly possible. This keeps your meal in tip-top condition.
- Now, don't forget to label the baggie with a big, bold "Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops" and the date you're prepping it. We don't want any culinary mysteries in your freezer.
- Pop that bag into the freezer, and it'll stay good for up to 8 weeks!
Defrosting Before Cooking:
For the best results, plan ahead. Let your frozen pork chops defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain that incredible tenderness.
The beauty of these freezer meal directions? They work like a charm for all cooking methods, whether you choose the slow cooker, Instant Pot, oven, or stovetop. So, no matter how you decide to cook these flavorful chops, your prep work is all set. Enjoy the convenience and incredible taste of a freezer-to-table masterpiece!
Alternative Cooking Methods for Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
Cooking Methods Compatibility
- Instant Pot: ✅
- Stovetop: ✅
- Oven-Baked: ✅
- Grill: 🚫 (not recommended)
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Method:
- This is like fast-forwarding your crockpot. Start by seasoning your pork chops with ranch seasoning, just like in the slow cooker method.
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and melt some butter. Once it's sizzling, sear those chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They'll get all nicely browned and flavorful.
- Now, let's make some magic happen. Scrape the pot to deglaze it, and add 2/3 to 1 cup of chicken broth and the gravy. Mix everything up.
- Return your chops to the pot and flip them to get that ranchy goodness all over.
- Lock the Instant Pot lid, select the manual high-pressure setting, and let it cook for 8 minutes. Afterward, allow for a 10-minute natural release.
- And there you have it! Delicious Instant Pot Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops ready to go.
Stovetop Method:
- Melt some butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. It's like giving your pork chops a little buttery hug.
- Sprinkle the pork chops with ranch seasoning and brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side. We're talking golden deliciousness.
- Now, turn that burner down low, cover those chops with gravy, and let them simmer for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to turn them a couple of times and give the gravy an occasional stir to keep things smooth.
- The result? A stovetop masterpiece of ranchy, gravy-laden perfection. Enjoy!
Oven-Baked Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Get ready for some savory goodness!
- Sprinkle your chops with ranch seasoning and place them in a buttered 9x13 casserole dish. It's like making a cozy pork chop nest.
- Pour that creamy chicken gravy all over the top, like a warm, gravy hug.
- Cover the dish and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. When the timer goes off, uncover, flip those chops, and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes.
- The result? Oven-baked ranch magic. Dive in!
Grill Method
- Not Recommended
- We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but grilling these pork chops isn't the best idea. The long, slow cooking time is what makes them tender and flavorful, and grilling tends to dry them out. Stick to the other fantastic methods mentioned above for the best results.
So, go ahead and pick your favorite method or try them all to keep things exciting in the kitchen. Whichever way you choose, those Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops are destined for deliciousness!
Ranch Pork Chops Video
Here’s the video/slideshow. For those folks who prefer to watch as opposed to read. Enjoy and let me know if you’ve got any questions…
Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix & Chicken Gravy Recipe Options
If you really like the idea of making these crockpot ranch pork chops BUT you don’t want to…or can’t…use the prepackaged stuff…no worries! You can make your own without much trouble.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
You can find my own homemade ranch dressing mix here. There are lots of ranch dressing mix recipes on the net, in cookbooks, etc. This is the one WE like.
If you have a food processor or blender, you can “pulse” the ingredients together pretty quickly. Then just store it in an airtight canister of some sort.
It lasts about 3 months without clumping or losing its flavor. And 2 tablespoons equals a packet of the store-bought variety.
Homemade Chicken Gravy Recipe
You can also make your own gravy. It isn’t difficult either. I have NOT tried “from scratch” gravy in the slow cooker. There’s every possibility I’ll get around to it one of these days…but not today J
But this is very easy to make on the stovetop…and it doesn’t take a lot of time either. It’s a great alternative if you need to cut back on salt, want to decrease your food additives, or just plain RUN OUT of packets…
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
Bring the chicken stock/broth to a boil over medium heat. Dissolve the cornstarch in about 1/4 cup of cold water. Add the poultry seasoning and mix well.
Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling chicken broth. Stir as you go, pour with one hand and stir with the other. Turn to medium-low heat and cook until thick.
AND last but not least…well it isn’t really last because there are MORE CROCKPOT PORK CHOP RECIPES on down posts 🙂 I will say next...how about next.
Printable Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
Okay, NEXT up are the Printable and “Pin it for Later” ranch crockpot pork chops. So again, enjoy and let me know if you have any questions or suggestions too, please.
Recipe

3-Ingredient Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut pork chops bone-in seem to work better
- 3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
- 15 ounces chicken gravy
- butter
- 1 cup chicken broth pressure cooker recipe only
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch pressure cooker recipe only
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Place the pork chops in a lightly buttered crockpot insert
- Sprinkle with the ranch dressing mix and pour the gravy over the top
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours
Instant Pot
- Sprinkle the pork chops with ranch seasoning on both sides.
- Set pot to sauté and cook pork chops in melted butter for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove chops.
- Scrape the pot to deglaze. Add 2/3 to 1 cup chicken broth and the gravy to the pot and mix well. Add the chops and flip to coat.
- Cook on manual high for 8 minutes. Allow to naturally release for 10 more minutes.
- Remove chops and if your gravy is too thin use a cornstarch slurry (see notes) to thicken.
Oven Baked
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Sprinkle the chops with ranch seasoning and place in a buttered 9x13 casserole dish. Pour the gravy over the top.
- Cover and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Remove lid, flip chops and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
Stovetop
- Melt the butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the pork chops with ranch and brown 2-3 minutes on each side. Turn the burner to low and cover with gravy.
- Cover and allow to simmer for 25-30 minutes. Turn chops a couple times and stir the gravy occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick.
Freezer Meal
- Make a note on your freezer bag (along with recipe name) that you will need that 15-ounce gravy when preparing this meal.
- Sprinkle the chops with the ranch dressing. Place in a 1-gallon freezer bag.
- Lay flat and remove as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 8 weeks.
Notes
Delicious Side Dish Ideas for Your Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
Oh, the joys of pairing up the perfect sides with our Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops! We're all about creating a symphony of flavors that'll make your taste buds dance. 🕺🍽️
Here are a few simple, yet sensational side dish ideas to go hand-in-hand with your ranch-tastic pork chops:
1. Green Beans Almondine: Steam up some fresh green beans and toss them with a sprinkle of toasted almonds. It's a light and nutty companion that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the pork chops.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: You can't go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes. Fluffy, buttery, and oh-so-comforting, they'll soak up that ranch-infused gravy like a dream.
3. Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes: If you're in the mood for some roasted goodness, try garlic-roasted red potatoes. They're crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, and the garlic adds a delightful kick.
4. Green Salad with Ranch Dressing: Keep things fresh and crisp with a simple green salad. Drizzle it with ranch dressing for a tangy twist that complements the pork chops perfectly.
These side dishes not only add variety to your plate but also elevate the entire meal. Plus, they're easy to whip up, leaving you more time to savor the succulent pork chops and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Happy eating!
Alternate Ranch Pork Chop Recipe
Another, maybe more well-known, ranch pork chop recipe for the slow cooker is to use cream of mushroom, or cream of chicken soup. You can so do this with this exact recipe!
You don’t need to do anything much except swap the gravy for the cream of “whatever” soup of your choice. I’ve made them that way too and they are good. It still didn’t work for me on high, just FYI on that one again 🙂
Other Crockpot Pork Chop Recipes
Cream of Mushroom & Soy Pork Chops
Another yummy option…instead of the ranch is to use soy sauce. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE me some ranch. You can find all lots of ranch recipes on this website…
- Crock Pot Bacon Ranch Potatoes
- Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Mushrooms
- Crock Pot Ranch Beef Stew
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Bacon Ranch Crockpot Stuffed Mushrooms
So, you can see from that list Slow Cooker Kitchen (hehe, Gwen and crew) likes/like ranch. But I’m a fan of soy sauce too.
This recipe is slightly sweet and a bit tangy. And it’s delish!
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 pork chops
- 1 (5 ounce) bottle soy sauce
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
Use the same method as the crockpot ranch pork chops in the main part of this post…
First, oil or spray or lightly butter the crock pot insert. Lay the pork chops in the bottom and sprinkle with the brown sugar.
Next, mix the soy sauce and cream of mushroom soup in a separate bowl, the pour it over the top.
Lastly, cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Drunk Monkey Garlic & Mushroom Pork Chops
When I first saw this recipe, I laughed. Loudly. Drunken monkey. Awesome. But I figured, what the heck…I’d give it a whirl. They were good J
- 4 thick cut bone-in pork chops
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small (3 ounce) can mushrooms, drained (optional)
- 1/3 cup red wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Place the pork chops in the bottom of the crockpot.
Next, mix the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, then pour over the chops.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Super Easy BBQ Pork Chops
And here's a great barbecue pork chop recipe...when you don't have any barbecue sauce handy 🙂
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup ketchup
- 6 pork chops
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine the soup, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup in a separate bowl, set aside.
Sprinkle the pork chops with both the onion and garlic powders and place in an oiled slow cooker.
Second, pour the soup mixture over the top.
Cover and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
Golden Peach Pork Chops
When we’re in the mood for fruity chops…we usually grill. But grilling isn’t always an option. Like as I write the post…it’s January and sleeting outside.
I personally don’t have a roof over my patio. For those of you that go. GO YOU. I’m slightly envious.
So alas…when I can’t grill my chops and peaches, this recipe works great. And if you want a more grilled/charred taste to go with it…you can always brown the chops for a couple minutes before tossing everything in the slow cooker.
Cast iron skillets rock for this option. OR you can also look into a 3-in-1 crockpot
. You can brown your chops then add the other ingredients. And it’s all in one pot for easy cleanup J
- 1 (28 ounce) can peaches
- 4 to 6 bone-in pork chops, thick cut
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Place the pork chops in the bottom of a buttered crockpot insert.
Drain the peaches and save 1/3 cup of the juice in a separate bowl.
Pour the peaches over the pork chops and mix the remaining ingredients with the peach juice.
Next, pour the mixture over the chops.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Asian Pork Chops
How about Chinese-style pork chops? That’s a mood I can almost always get behind…Yeah, I have a thing for Chinese. It’s also very easy and great with rice!
- 6 thick-cut pork chops
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 to 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s another one that works exactly like the crockpot ranch pork chops in the main part of this recipe…
In goes the chops sprinkled with the salt and pepper.
Mix the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl then pour the sauce over the pork chops
Cover and cook…you guessed it…6 to 8 hours
Slow-Cooked Cherry Pork Chops
These cherry chops are pretty sweet so they’re a great option for when you’re in that mood…just like the peachy ones listed above. You don’t have to do any sort of mixing on this one. It’s one of those “dump recipes” and it’s only 3 ingredients too!
It’s also one of those chop recipes that works a little better if you brown the meat a bit first. So if you have the time, just brown them on both sides for 2 or 3 minutes before placing them in the slow cooker.
I personally sprinkle them with a touch of salt and pepper first, but some folks prefer the complete sweetness of the cherries to come through.
- 6 thick bone-in pork loin chops
- 1 cup canned cherry pie filling
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Sprinkle the pork chops with salt and pepper
Slightly brown the pork chops in either a skillet or 3-in-1 crockpot, place them in the slow cooker
Drizzle them with the lemon juice and top with the cherry pie filling
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours
Super Tender Italian Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 cups Italian-style salad dressing
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Sprinkle the pork chops with the pepper.
Brown over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side (optional).
In a separate bowl, mix the salad dressing and soy sauce.
Pour over the chops.
Cover and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
Zippy Skippy Pork Chops
These pork chops are a great option when you want a little more heat. They aren’t Texas chili hot or anything. Just a nice flavor. And again…super easy too!
- 6 thick-cut boneless pork loin chops
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups chili sauce
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
Place the pork chops in a lightly butter slow cooker insert.
Sprinkle the chops with the chili powder, oregano, cumin, and garlic.
Pour the chili sauce over the top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
We hope you liked this recipe and ALL the alternatives. If you have any suggestions or questions...give us a shout-out via Contact Gwen. I'm up for answering questions and trying out recipes upon request...
FAQ for 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Q1: Can I make this Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops recipe in advance for busy nights?
A1: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook up a batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat and enjoy on those hectic evenings.
Q2: Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
A2: Of course! Boneless pork chops work beautifully in this recipe. They cook a little faster but are just as delicious. You can easily swap them out without compromising on flavor or tenderness.
Q3: Is this Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops recipe kid-friendly?
A3: You bet it is! The creamy ranch flavors in this dish are a hit with kids of all ages. It's a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.
Q4: What can I substitute for premade gravy if I don't have it on hand?
A4: If you're out of canned gravy, don't worry. You can make your own using the simple recipe up above for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Q5: Are the ingredients for this recipe easy to find at the grocery store?
A5: Absolutely! You won't need to embark on a treasure hunt at the store. Most of the ingredients are simple and readily available, making this recipe super convenient.
Q6: Can I use this recipe for pork tenderloin instead of pork chops?
A6: While this recipe is designed for pork chops, you can certainly experiment with pork tenderloin. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the appropriate internal temperature for safe consumption.
Q7: How long does it take to prep this Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops recipe?
A7: Prepping this dish is a breeze! You'll spend just a few minutes sprinkling the ranch packet and arranging the pork chops in the slow cooker. It's a quick and easy recipe that delivers mouthwatering results.
Q8: Can I use an alternative to canned soup in this recipe?
A8: If you prefer to skip canned soup, you can make your own creamy sauce using a roux (butter and flour) combined with chicken broth and your choice of seasonings. It adds a homemade touch to the dish.
Q9: Can I freeze leftover pork chops from this recipe?
A9: Absolutely! If you find yourself with leftover pork chops, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the freezer. They'll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat for a convenient meal on another day.
Q10: How can I make this recipe even easier for busy nights?
A10: For ultra-convenience, consider prepping the ingredients in advance and freezing them together in a labeled airtight bag. Then, on a busy night, simply toss everything into your slow cooker for an effortless dinner.
With these answers in your culinary arsenal, you're all set to become a Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops pro! Enjoy creating this comforting dinner recipe for your family, even on your busiest nights.
Pin It for Later Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops




I am so looking forward to making this, I will use pork loin, thick cut in place of chops, will post results soon. Thanks, Gwen, for a great recipe.
That sounds like an awesome recipe you're making up Lee. I hope it works well for you. And you are also very welcome.
WOW, delicious! Homemade Ranch Seasoning, 6 hours, fall off the bone and so tender!
I'm very glad you enjoyed it!
The Drunk Monkey version is in the slow cooker as I write this, will let you know the results shortly, and I used really thick cut boneless loin chops, I will send you a photo of the chops. I am really looking forward to enjoying this 🙂
Sounds awesome Lee. I hope they turned out great!
I tried the variant you have listed with the Ranch Dressing mix and cream of chicken soup. I used homemade cream of mushroom soup, and homemade ranch dressing mix. and 4 thick cut loins, which a loin is basically the center of the pork chop. Outstanding! This needs 10 stars. Thank you for a great recipe, Gwen.
That sounds delicious Lee! I'm very glad it worked well. And you're very welcome.
Hi Gwen,
Just wondering if you ever brown the chops first before crock pot for color and flavor. Many recipes suggest it. I’m not looking to increase my labor or dirty a pan, just wondered.
When you say “thick” chop, can you give a range? My local butcher has 3/4 inch and 1.5 inches but nothing between, idiots. If I need 1 inch I may have to go Krogering or Giant Eagling or Meijering. LOL!
In alternative recipes where soy sauce is an ingredient, is low sodium soy sauce ok? Again other bloggers suggest that low sodium soy sauce changes the taste. I don’t use much soy sauce due to sodium issues with the spousal unit but wondered about your experience with this. Im not sure if the “don’t use low sodium soy sauce” is valid. Personally a higher sodium dish every couple weeks is not a death sentence. Just sayin.
Thx.
LOL Martha, you are SO funny. I love that it sounded like reading my own writing style as I read your comments. Thanks so much for the morning grins!
Now...for your questions. I HAVE browned my chops in the past, I did not and have never for this recipe. I am guessing (and it is only a guess) that by buttering the slow cooker insert very well, they sort of brown on their own.
I would honestly suggest you try it without the extra step once, see if you like them that way, and if not then brown them. We like them just fine. But preferences vary or there wouldn't be millions of recipes and restaurants.
On the soy sauce, I am literally writing a new chicken wing recipe right now and I talked about this. I use regular soy sauce and Bragg's alternative. Yes, it does change the taste. Is it gross? No, just different. I do prefer soy and I do use low sodium sometimes. Just like Bragg's, it's different. Not gross, just a slight difference.
There are my thoughts and my experience. I hope that helps you some. Now I am off to clean the yard for a the grandbaby's birthday party this weekend! Have a great day 🙂