Slow Cooker Pork Chops Rice

This slow cooker pork chops and rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, comforting, and nearly handsoff. The pork chops become tender enough to shred easily, while the rice cooks right in the slow cooker with the flavors of creamy mushroom soup and spices. It's a budgetfriendly dish that feels special but doesn't require a lot of time or fuss in the kitchen.

I first made this on a hectic weeknight when I had very little time but wanted a warm, filling meal for the family. Now it's one of my goto recipes when I want comfort food without the stress.

Ingredients

• Boneless pork chops: Four chops work perfectly because they cook evenly and shred easily
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory flavor to keep the pork juicy
• Water: Helps everything cook smoothly and blend with the broth
• Cream of mushroom soup: Provides creaminess and richness, making the sauce tasty without extra effort
• Garlic powder: Gives a warm and aromatic note that elevates the overall dish
• Dried onion flakes: Adds a subtle onion flavor without needing fresh onions
• Salt: Essential for boosting all the flavors in the dish
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness to balance the creaminess
• Butter: Cubed butter melts in slowly, enriching the sauce and keeping the pork moist
• Minute rice: Cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the meat and sauce
• Cheddar cheese: Adds a melty, savory finish that brings this dish together beautifully

Instructions

Start with prepping the Slow Cooker:

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with a nonstick spray. This step isn't absolutely necessary but makes cleanup so much easier after cooking.

Add the Pork Chops:

Place the boneless pork chops evenly into the slow cooker, making sure they lie flat for even cooking.

Top with Sauce Ingredients:

Spoon the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the pork chops so they are well covered.

Season the Pork:

Sprinkle garlic powder, dried onion flakes, salt, and black pepper evenly on top of the pork chops and mushroom soup for balanced seasoning.

Add Liquids and Butter:

Pour the chicken broth and a cup of water over everything in the slow cooker. Then scatter the cubed stick of butter on top. This will slowly melt and enrich the sauce during cooking.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for seven hours. This long, slow cooking is key to achieving the super tender, shreddable pork chops.

Shred the Pork Chops:

Once cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid and use two forks to shred the pork chops right in the slow cooker. This makes the dish easier to mix with rice and cheese.

Add Rice and Additional Water:

Pour the Minute rice over the shredded pork, then add another cup of water. Use a spoon to gently push the rice underneath the liquid so it cooks properly.

Cook the Rice on High:

Replace the lid and increase the slow cooker heat to high. Cook for 45 minutes up to an hour until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

Finish with Cheese:

Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked pork and rice. Stir well to combine the cheese evenly while it melts into the dish.

Serve and Enjoy:

Dish out your slow cooker pork chops and rice into bowls or plates. This comforting meal can be served alongside a salad or as a hearty main.

My favorite part of this recipe is the use of cream of mushroom soup. It instantly makes the pork chops rich and creamy without extra steps. Plus, this meal carries so many memories of my grandfather's farm and the way pork meals always felt like comfort and family gathering.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen over the next day and it reheats well either in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work great as a substitute if you want a different flavor profile. You can swap Minute rice for long grain white rice but expect longer cooking times. Fresh garlic and onion can be used instead of powder and flakes if that's what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness to the plate. You can also toast some crusty bread or biscuits on the side for a complete comfort meal.

Enjoy this comforting, nearly handsoff meal any night of the week. Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How long should pork chops cook in the slow cooker?

Cook pork chops on low heat for about seven hours for tender, shreddable meat. Higher heat will cook faster but may be less tender.

→ Can I use a different soup instead of cream of mushroom?

Yes, cream of chicken, cheese, or celery soup are great alternatives to customize the flavor.

→ When should I add the rice to the slow cooker?

Add the rice and an extra cup of water after shredding the pork chops, then cook on high for 45 minutes to an hour until tender.

→ How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?

Use a digital thermometer; pork is safe at 145°F (63°C). In this slow-cooked dish, the pork will be fall-apart tender after seven hours on low.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, add sliced carrots, peas, corn, or onions along with the pork for a more complete one-pot meal.