Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops are tender, juicy pork chops cooked low and slow in a flavorful sauce that’s both buttery and a little tangy. This dish gets its special taste from ranch seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and a packet of au jus mix, which all come together in the slow cooker to create a rich, delicious meal without much fuss.
I love how easy this recipe is because I can just put everything in the crock pot and let it do the work while I go about my day. The pork chops come out so soft they almost fall apart, and the sauce is perfect for spooning over rice or mashed potatoes. My favorite part is the touch of zest the pepperoncini peppers add—it gives the dish just the right amount of zing without being too spicy.
This is one of those recipes that always gets compliments and makes dinner feel special without any extra effort. I like to serve it with some steamed green beans or a simple salad on the side for a well-rounded meal. If you want to make your weeknights easier and tastier, this dish is a great choice to keep in your cooking rotation.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Thick-cut pork chops work best here. They stay juicy during long cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, boneless chops are fine, but watch the cooking time.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds the tangy, herby flavor. If you want to avoid packaged mixes, try a blend of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: It gives a rich, beefy note. If unavailable, substitute with beef broth powder or a mushroom gravy mix for a similar depth.
Butter: Use unsalted to control saltiness. Butter melts into the sauce for richness. You can swap with margarine or olive oil if needed.
Pepperoncini Peppers: They bring a mild heat and tang. If you can’t find them, banana peppers or mild pickled peppers work as substitutes.
How Do You Keep Pork Chops Tender and Juicy in the Crock Pot?
Slow cooking can dry out pork chops if not careful. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Choose thick chops: They hold up better to slow cooking.
- Don’t overcook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4. Avoid longer cooking times to keep meat moist.
- Use sauce and butter: The ranch, au jus mixes, butter, and pepperoncini juices create a flavorful, moist environment that softens the meat.
- Layer properly: Place pork chops in a single layer to cook evenly.
- Optional step: Before slow cooking, sear pork chops quickly in a hot pan for a golden crust. It locks in juices and adds flavor.
Following these tips helps ensure pork chops stay soft and tasty, not rubbery or dry, after slow cooker time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I like it because it cooks the pork chops evenly and hands-free.
- Measuring spoons and packet opener – keeps things simple and accurate.
- Meat thermometer – ensures the pork is cooked to the right temperature for safety and juiciness.
- Serving tongs or slotted spoon – helps lift the pork without breaking it apart.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pork chops for chicken breasts or drumsticks for a different protein with similar flavors.
- Add sliced onions or garlic for extra aroma and depth.
- Use whole pepperoncini or topping with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for brightness.
- Mix in a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 thick-cut pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 0.87 ounces)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 4-6 pepperoncini peppers (whole, with juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
Time You’ll Need
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and assemble, then you’ll cook the pork chops in the crock pot for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. It’s great for a busy day when you want a delicious meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Then, season both sides lightly with black pepper for a simple, balanced flavor.
2. Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Place the pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of your crock pot. Sprinkle both the ranch seasoning mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the pork chops.
3. Add Butter and Pepperoncini
Distribute the butter slices evenly over the pork chops. Then, add the whole pepperoncini peppers along with some of their juice on top to add a tangy, mild heat to the dish.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked.
5. Serve Your Meal
Carefully remove the pork chops and pepperoncini peppers. Spoon some of the flavorful sauce over the chops. Optionally, garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig for a nice touch. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread and your favorite green vegetable or salad to make it a complete meal.
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed pork chops for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw them fully in the fridge overnight before adding to the crock pot to prevent uneven cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the ingredients and place them in the crock pot insert, then refrigerate overnight. When ready, simply cook as directed. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to rewarm evenly.
Can I Substitute Pepperoncini Peppers with Something Else?
If you can’t find pepperoncini, mild banana peppers or pickled jalapeños work well as a substitute, though they may alter the flavor slightly.
