Pork chops: The star of this dish, choose thick-cut, bone-in or boneless pork chops for the best results. Their inherent tenderness and ability to absorb flavors make them an ideal choice for slow cooking, yielding incredibly juicy and succulent meat that forms the hearty foundation of your meal.

Chicken broth: More than just a liquid, chicken broth provides the essential moisture needed to tenderize the pork chops over hours of slow cooking. It also acts as a flavorful base, enriching the sauce and ensuring the meat remains incredibly juicy. Opt for a low-sodium variety if you prefer to control the salt content.

Ranch dressing mix: This convenient seasoning packet is a game-changer, infusing the pork chops with its signature tangy, herby, and garlicky notes. It’s the secret weapon that delivers a complex flavor profile without requiring a long list of individual spices, making the recipe quick and effortless.

Au jus gravy mix: Working in harmony with the ranch, the au jus gravy mix contributes a rich, deeply savory, and slightly beefy flavor. It also helps to create a thicker, more luscious sauce that perfectly coats the tender pork chops, turning the cooking liquid into a delectable gravy that’s begging to be sopped up by your favorite side dishes.

To truly elevate the flavor and texture of your pork chops, consider taking an extra few minutes to sear them before they go into the slow cooker. Heat a tablespoon of oil (like olive or canola) in a heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear each side of the pork chops for 2-3 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This Maillard reaction not only adds incredible depth of flavor but also helps to lock in the juices, ensuring a more tender and flavorful finished product. Transfer the seared chops directly into your slow cooker.

For an aromatic boost and an even richer flavor, experiment with adding fresh herbs to your chicken broth mixture. A few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf can transform the sauce, imbuing it with a delightful fragrance and sophisticated taste. Simply add them along with the broth and seasoning mixes. Another tip for maximizing convenience and minimizing cleanup is to use a slow cooker liner. These liners make post-meal cleanup a breeze, saving you precious time and effort.

Finally, for those who prefer a thicker sauce, you can easily achieve this after the pork chops are cooked. Remove the cooked pork and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the hot liquid in the slow cooker, turn the setting to high, and cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This simple step transforms the cooking liquid into a rich, pourable gravy perfect for serving over your pork chops and accompanying sides.

• Pork chops – Substitute with chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent lean protein alternative. They possess a similar tender texture when slow-cooked and readily absorb the rich flavors of the ranch and au jus sauce, making them a fantastic option if you’re looking for poultry. Cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Pork chops – Substitute with beef chuck roast: For a heartier, more robust meal, a well-marbled beef chuck roast is a superb choice. This cut of beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, providing a rich, savory taste that stands up beautifully to the powerful seasonings, creating a dish akin to a pot roast.

• Chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth: If you’re catering to dietary preferences or simply prefer a lighter base, vegetable broth serves as a perfectly suitable liquid substitute. It provides moisture and a subtle savory depth without significantly altering the overall flavor profile of the ranch and au jus, making the dish accessible to more palates.

• Chicken broth – Substitute with beef broth: To intensify the savory and umami notes in your sauce, consider swapping chicken broth for beef broth. This will add a deeper, more robust flavor that wonderfully complements the richness of slow-cooked meats, particularly if you’re using beef chuck roast as a substitute for the pork.

• Ranch dressing mix – Substitute with Italian dressing mix: An alternative for the ranch flavor profile, Italian dressing mix offers a different but equally delicious blend of herbs and spices, typically featuring oregano, basil, and garlic. This swap will impart a zesty, Mediterranean-inspired flavor that works surprisingly well with pork or beef.

• Ranch dressing mix – Substitute with homemade ranch seasoning: For those who prefer to control ingredients or lack a store-bought packet, a homemade ranch seasoning blend is easy to whip up. Combine 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley, dried dill, and garlic powder, along with 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and dried chives, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This homemade version provides all the classic ranch flavors.

• Au jus gravy mix – Substitute with brown gravy mix: If au jus mix isn’t available, a standard brown gravy mix is a reliable replacement. It will still provide a rich, savory flavor and thickening properties to the sauce, ensuring you get that delicious, cohesive gravy to serve over your meat.

• Au jus gravy mix – Substitute with onion soup mix: Onion soup mix is a fantastic substitute that adds a profound depth of savory, umami flavor with a subtle sweetness from the dried onions. It creates a robust, hearty sauce that pairs exceptionally well with both pork and beef, offering a slightly different but equally delicious profile.

• Allow the cooked pork chops and their accompanying sauce to cool down completely to room temperature before attempting to store them. This crucial step prevents the buildup of condensation inside your containers, which can lead to soggy meat and an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
• Once cooled, carefully transfer the pork chops and any delicious remaining sauce into an airtight food storage container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to lock in freshness and prevent any odors from permeating other foods in your refrigerator or freezer.
• For short-term storage, if you plan to enjoy the pork chops within the next 3-4 days, simply place the sealed container in the refrigerator. Proper refrigeration maintains the safety and optimal flavor of the meat, making it convenient for quick weeknight meals.
• For extended storage, beyond a few days, transfer the pork chops and sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. To prevent freezer burn, which can dry out and alter the texture of your meat, remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing.
• Always label the container or bag clearly with the date of storage. This simple practice helps you keep track of how long the pork chops have been stored, ensuring you consume them within their optimal timeframe, typically up to 2-3 months in the freezer for best quality.
• When you’re ready to reheat, the best method is to thaw the frozen pork chops in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process ensures even reheating and helps to preserve the tender texture and juicy quality of the meat. Avoid thawing at room temperature for food safety.
• To reheat thawed pork chops, gently warm them in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed. This helps to create more moisture and prevents them from drying out. Alternatively, for convenience, you can reheat them in the microwave on a low to medium setting, flipping halfway through, to avoid overcooking and maintaining their succulent nature.
• Finally, serve your perfectly reheated pork chops with your favorite fresh sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or vibrant steamed vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal that feels freshly made.

• Oven Method (Recommended for Best Quality): Preheat your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pork chops in an oven-safe dish, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer. Add a tablespoon or two of the leftover sauce or a splash of chicken broth to the dish to retain moisture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, and heat for approximately 15-20 minutes. Larger or thicker chops may require a few extra minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are thoroughly heated through while remaining tender and juicy.

• Microwave Method (Quickest Option): For a super-quick reheat, use the microwave. Place individual pork chops on a microwave-safe plate. To prevent them from drying out, loosely cover the plate with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, flipping the chop halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking, which can lead to tough meat.

• Stovetop Method (Great for Resurfacing): Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, a bit of olive oil, or a pat of butter to the pan. Once hot, place the pork chops in the skillet. Cover the pan to create steam and heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the pork chops are warmed through to your liking. This method can help crisp up any edges if desired.

• Air Fryer Method (For a Crispier Finish): Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, to allow for even air circulation. Heat for 5-7 minutes, gently flipping them halfway through. This method is excellent for achieving a slightly crisper exterior while keeping the interior moist.

• Steaming Method (Ultimate Moisture Retention): To retain maximum juiciness, consider steaming your pork chops. Place them in a steamer basket set over a pot of boiling water. Ensure the water does not touch the bottom of the basket. Cover the pot tightly and steam for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are heated through. This gentle method keeps the meat incredibly moist and tender.

• Slow cooker: The quintessential appliance for this recipe, a slow cooker (also known as a Crock-Pot) allows for unattended cooking at consistently low temperatures. This method ensures your pork chops become incredibly tender and flavorful over several hours, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking convenience without compromising taste.

• Mixing bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl is essential for combining the various liquid and seasoning ingredients that will form the rich, flavorful sauce for your pork chops. It provides ample space to whisk everything together thoroughly before pouring over the meat.

• Measuring cup: Accurate measuring cups are vital for portioning out the correct volume of liquid ingredients, such as the chicken broth. Precision ensures the perfect balance of flavors and consistency in your sauce, so the final dish is exactly as intended.

• Whisk: A good whisk is indispensable for smoothly blending the chicken broth with the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix. It helps to dissolve any lumps, creating a uniform, well-integrated sauce that coats the pork chops evenly and delivers consistent flavor.

• Tongs: Sturdy kitchen tongs are ideal for handling and safely transferring the raw pork chops into the slow cooker. They allow you to grip the meat securely, preventing splashes and ensuring sanitary handling, particularly if you choose to sear the chops beforehand.

• Lid: The lid for your slow cooker is a critical component. It helps to maintain a consistent internal temperature, traps moisture, and allows the ingredients to slowly tenderize and meld their flavors. Keeping the lid securely in place throughout the cooking process is key to achieving optimal results.

• Meat thermometer: An instant-read meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure your pork chops reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for well-done, while still remaining juicy. This tool guarantees food safety and helps prevent overcooking.

Pre-mix the seasonings: Get ahead of the game by combining the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix in a small, airtight container or a zip-top bag well in advance. This way, when dinner time approaches, you can simply pour the pre-mixed seasoning directly into the chicken broth, saving valuable minutes on busy evenings.

Use pre-cut pork chops: Streamline your meal preparation by purchasing pork chops that are already trimmed, portioned, and ready to cook. This eliminates the need for any knife work or meat preparation, allowing you to go from package to slow cooker in record time.

Batch cooking: Maximize your effort by doubling the recipe. Cook a larger batch of these delicious pork chops, then divide and freeze half for a future meal. This intelligent meal prep strategy means you only need to cook once but reap the benefits of two satisfying dinners, perfect for future busy nights.

Slow cooker liners: Invest in slow cooker liners. These disposable bags fit snugly inside your slow cooker insert, preventing food from sticking and making cleanup incredibly quick and easy. Simply remove the liner after cooking, and your slow cooker pot will be virtually spotless.

Prep ingredients the night before: If possible, measure out your chicken broth and have your pork chops ready in the fridge the night before. This makes assembly in the morning even faster, allowing you to simply combine and start cooking without any last-minute scrambling.