Slow Cooker Forty-Clove Garlic Pork Chops

Transform humble pork chops into a gourmet masterpiece with the classic combination of forty cloves of garlic and a rich, buttery broth. This slow cooker recipe allows the meat to become incredibly tender while the garlic mellows into a sweet, savory sauce that coats every bite perfectly.

It is the ideal solution for a hands-off dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results without requiring hours of active time in the kitchen or constant monitoring at the stove.

The magic of this dish lies in the slow braising process, which coaxes out the natural sweetness of the garlic cloves as they soften alongside the pork. By using bone-in chops, you gain extra depth of flavor and moisture that only slow cooking can provide.

The simple addition of thyme and a rich buttery broth creates a balanced, aromatic base that requires no complex techniques or fancy ingredients to achieve a deep, complex flavor profile that impresses everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker environment creates a moist, consistent heat that breaks down the proteins in the pork chops slowly. This gentle cooking method prevents the meat from becoming tough or dry, ensuring that every bite remains succulent and tender even after hours of cooking. The constant, low temperature is perfect for infusing the meat with the garlic and herbal notes.

Forty cloves of garlic might sound like a lot, but when slow-cooked, they lose their sharp, pungent bite and transform into soft, buttery morsels that melt in your mouth.

This infusion creates a natural, velvety sauce that thickens slightly with the juices from the pork, providing a luxurious finish to the dish without the need for heavy thickeners or complicated reduction steps.

Notes and substitutions

For the best results, use thick-cut bone-in pork chops, as they hold up better to the long braising time than thinner, boneless varieties. Ensure the garlic cloves are fresh and fully peeled before adding them to the cooker for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a more pronounced herbal note, you can increase the amount of dried thyme or add a bay leaf to the pot.

The buttery broth can be a high-quality chicken or vegetable stock mixed with a little melted butter, or a pre-made savory broth. If you are using a salted broth, adjust the seasoning of the pork chops accordingly.

The slow cooker insert should be cleaned thoroughly after each use to ensure no residue affects future meals, and always follow manufacturer instructions for your specific appliance model.

• bone-in pork chops: boneless pork chops, though cooking time may decrease slightly
• dried thyme: 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Equipment

• slow cooker
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons