Low Carb Pork Chops in Crockpot with Spice Rub [Recipe] (2024)

October 24, 2017

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You are going to love this recipe: low carb pork chops in the crockpot! It's easy AF, really inexpensive, and it tastes so damn good you're going to want to make this every single week for the rest of your life. Your kids will grow up bragging about their mom's slow cooked, spice-rubbed pork chops to anyone who will listen. If nothing else, do it for the kids, man.

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Pork Chops on Keto

Pork chops are an awesome choice for the keto diet. So long as you don't go the shake and bake route or cover your perfectly delicious meat with a bunch of breading, you're looking at a zero carb cut of meat. Per 100 grams, there are zero carbs, 22.49g protein, and 4.05g fat. With macros like that, you have room to add a fatty side dish or even work it into a PSMF if you're into that kind of thing.

How long does it take to cook pork chops in a slow cooker or crockpot?

If you want fork-tender pork chops, cook for 6 hours on low in the crockpot. The minimum amount of time to cook pork chops in a slow cooker is about 2 hours on low; they will be cooked through, but firm.

Can you cook meat in a slow cooker without liquid?

You don't need liquid in the crockpot or slow cooker. Think about the set-up of a crockpot: the lid is on, the steam is rising from the food but it can't escape, the inside becomes extremely wet, and condensation pools on the lid and up the sides. The moisture cooked from the meat doesn't have anywhere to go; it doesn't steam off the way it does with other cooking methods. This helps keep the meat moist without basting and additional fluid.

Low Carb Pork Chops in Crockpot with Spice Rub [Recipe]

📖 Recipe

Low Carb Pork Chops in Crockpot with Spice Rub [Recipe]

A delicious spice rub takes these slow-cooked pork chops to the next level!

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours hours

Total Time: 6 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Course: Drinks, Lunch, Main Course, One pot meal

Cuisine: American

Special Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Paleo

Servings: 8 Servings

Serving Size:

Net Carbs: 1g

Author: Tasha

Ingredients

1 tbsp rosemary dried
1 tbsp thyme dried
1 tbsp curry powder dried
1 tbsp chives chopped, fresh
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp olive oil
2 pounds pork chops

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix rosemary, thyme, curry powder, chives, fennel seeds, cumin, salt and ½ of the olive oil.
Rub the pork chops with the spice mix to evenly coat the meat.
Pour the remaining olive oil into the crockpot. Add the meat to the slow-cooker, cover, and cook for 4 hours on high, 6 hours on medium, or 8 hours on low.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Low Carb Pork Chops in Crockpot with Spice Rub [Recipe]

Amount per Serving

Calories

247

% Daily Value*

Fat

Reader Interactions

Comments

Eric Herchenhahn says
January 03, 2018 at 3:16 am

I'm making these today and telling my wife about your blog! She'll love it.
Reply
Eric Herchenhahn says
January 03, 2018 at 3:37 am

I’m making these today and telling my wife about your blog! She’ll love it.
Reply
Barbara says
February 08, 2018 at 5:18 pm

These pork chops are amazing! Made them for dinner & we could not stop saying how good they are. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
P.S. Roasted brussel sprouts & sauteed green beans compliment these chops perfectly!
Reply
Eric O says
February 21, 2018 at 9:34 am

Is there a specific chop (bone in vs boneless) that is preferred? Also is there a preferred method when arranging the chops in the crockpot? Laying down, stacking, standing? Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Reply
- Barbara says
  February 24, 2018 at 7:20 pm
  
  I used a boneless ribeye chop b/c they are thicker. Any thick cut chop will do, bone in or boneless. And i layered mine in a staggered fashion so they werent directly on top of each other. Enjoy!
  Reply
Barbara says
February 24, 2018 at 7:19 pm

I used a boneless ribeye chop b/c they are thicker. Any thick cut chop will do, bone in or boneless. And i layered mine in a staggered fashion so they werent directly on top of each other. Enjoy!
Reply
Harmony Blu Jelinek says
July 29, 2018 at 10:53 pm

The spice blend was delish! I over slow cooked the pork but that’s my fault. I enjoyed the Indian flare!
Reply
Marlene says
September 12, 2018 at 10:56 am

These Pork Chops were delicious. I used boneless chops and my husband loved them also.
They were moist, juicy and very tender!!
Reply
- Tasha Metcalf says
  September 13, 2018 at 4:15 pm
  
  Excellent! Happy to hear the recipe was a hit at your house!
  Reply
paula says
January 03, 2019 at 6:45 am

Made them today but layerd baby potates onlon carrotts leakes on the bottom was gorgouse
Reply
Dan says
January 30, 2019 at 6:15 pm

Pork chops DELICIOUS
Reply
Elizabeth says
October 06, 2019 at 9:27 am

Can I use this with a boneless pork roast? If so what would the time adjustment be?
Reply
- Tasha Metcalf says
  October 07, 2019 at 11:16 am
  
  Hi Elizabeth! Thanks for the comment. I haven't personally tried this specific recipe with a boneless pork roast, but I have slow cooked one before. The best results are usually on low for about 8-10 hours, low and slow. Cooking at higher temps and shorter times tend to yield chewy results. I think it might be worth browning the pork roast prior to slow cooking it as well, a step not included in this recipe but one that is common with the pork roast cut.
  If I was to make this with a pork roast instead of chop, I'd season the meat with a little salt and pepper, then brown the roast on all sides in a hot pan on the stovetop. I'd apply the spice rub afterwards and then slow cook in the crockpot on low for about 8-10 hours.
  Hope that helps!
  Reply
Sue Brown says
October 14, 2019 at 12:36 pm

Hello, I want to make this but what do I serve it with?
Reply
- Tasha Metcalf says
  October 15, 2019 at 9:53 am
  
  You could serve it with any low carb veggie on the side to keep the carbs low. Cauliflower mash is a popular side!
  Reply
KATHERINE FITZGERALD says
January 25, 2020 at 4:22 am

I made this for dinner last week and it was everything you promised. Truly delicious. I used bone-in chops which we prefer as boneless usually end up tough and dry. I have my family rate all my new recipes as I figure if I'm going to the time and expense of cooking I'm going to deliver something which everyone enjoys. 1-10 with a keeper being 8 or above. This was a solid 9.5. I doubled the spice mixture for 6 chops but won't next time as there was plenty of flavor. Thank you so much for this recipe. Your comment of the best pork chops ever is TRUTH. And so easy to too. Thank you!!!!
Reply
Cindi says
February 01, 2020 at 11:50 am

Not used to using cumin and curry. Does it make it spicy (hot) or just nice and warm?
Reply
- Tasha Metcalf says
  February 04, 2020 at 8:06 am
  
  Cumin isn't spicy at all, but curry can get a little spicy in higher quantities. You can omit the curry if spicy isn't your style, cumin and pork go really well together as-is. 🙂
  Reply
Terri says
February 09, 2020 at 1:13 pm

Making this for the 2nd time today. So delicious!!!
Reply
Jan B. says
February 15, 2021 at 6:36 am

Love this recipe! It is easy and flavorful, love the different spices. The pork chops are tender and never dry! This is in our regular rotation.
Reply
Jan B. says
January 11, 2022 at 10:03 am

Delicious! I have made this several times. So easy, I put sliced onions in the bottome and I layer the chops in the crockpot after reading someone else's review. I served with roasted brussel sprouts (frozen! from WellPlated by Erin) and microwaveable cauliflower rice in a packet from Costco. There is plenty of juice to serve over the rice. I will definitely come back here to try other recipes! Btw, I entered this on MyFitnessPal, crediting Ketogasm.
Reply

Low Carb Pork Chops in Crockpot with Spice Rub [Recipe] (2024)

FAQs

Why are my pork chops tough in the slow cooker? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

Show Me More ›

How do you keep pork from drying out in a slow cooker? ›

Cooking a lean roast like pork tenderloin in a slow cooker is tricky because it can quickly turn overcooked and dry. We discovered that nestling two tenderloins side by side, alternating the narrow and thicker ends, helped to insulate the meat and prevented it from overcooking.

How do you season pork chops before cooking? ›

Reach for 1 teaspoon kosher salt per 1 pound of meat.

The height allows the salt to fall evenly, like snow, ensuring an even layer. Make sure you season both sides of the pork chops. If you're using a saltshaker, it still helps to sprinkle from high-up and not close to the meat.

What is the secret to moist pork chops? ›

To cook moist pork chops, try brining them beforehand in a solution of water, salt, and sugar for at least 30 minutes. Then, sear them on high heat to lock in juices, and finish cooking them on lower heat until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Tell Me More ›

Does pork get more tender the longer it cooks in a slow cooker? ›

At around 2 hours, your pork chops will be cooked through (145°F) and have a texture similar to chicken breast — tender, but firm. Between 3 to 6 hours, the chops will have a texture closer to pulled pork; it will be easy to cut with a fork and will pull easily from the bone.

Get More Info ›

Is it better to cook pork chops low or slow? ›

Typically, when we cook at high temperature, we over cook the pork. This leaves it dry and tough. As with my dad's pork chops, grilling is a high temperature cooking method. While I recommend cooking low and slow, I emphasize the word slow.

Discover More ›

Should pork be covered with liquid in slow cooker? ›

Your liquid should not cover your pork in the slow cooker: it should only come up about a quarter of the way up the sides. The pork will make more liquid as it cooks, and you need to leave room for that. And 10 hours later, this huge hunk of meat is tender and ready.

Learn More Now ›

What liquid should I cook pork in? ›

Water: A cup of water helps the pork tenderloin stay moist during cooking. Wine: Red wine lends complexity and enhances the flavor. Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds savory flavor. Garlic: Fresh garlic lends a bold flavor.

What seasoning is good on pork chops? ›

Best Seasoning for Pork Chops

Thyme and sage add herby and floral notes complementing pork's flavor exceptionally well. There's also a combination of smoked paprika, pepper, and a little bit of cayenne pepper, which all give your pork chops a lovely, not overly spicy, kiss of heat.

Show Me More ›

What spices go well with pork? ›

Some of my favorite herbs, spices, and seasonings to use as a pork chop seasoning are cumin, garlic, paprika, and chili powder. Some others that go well with pork are sage, rosemary, cayenne, thyme, and coriander. Brown sugar and clove are a great way to add in some sweetness.

Get More Info ›

What can I put on pork chops for flavor? ›

Pork Chop Seasoning Ingredients

2 Tablespoons smoked paprika.
1 Tablespoon kosher salt.
1 Tablespoon black pepper.
1 Tablespoon brown sugar.
1 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 teaspoon onion powder.
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

Mar 28, 2023

See Details ›

How to infuse flavor into pork chops? ›

The secret to a terrific pork chop is a tasty brine. Like a marinade, a brine will uniformly infuse the chop with flavor — in this case, salt, garlic, pepper, Bay leaf and rosemary. It softens the meat, and helps it hold onto its juices throughout cooking.

Get More Info ›

What should I soak my pork chops in? ›

Mix milk with first amount of salt (2 teaspoons) and allow pork chops to soak in this mixture for as long as you'd like, about an hour to maybe four works well. Overnight soaking will result in too much moisture & your breading will fall off. Remove pork chops from brine, and set aside.

What cooking method is best for pork chops? ›

A quick turn in a hot pan followed by a little time in the oven is another great way to cook pork chops. You build color and flavor in the skillet, then hand the cooking over to the oven, which gives you time to prep the rest of the meal.

Learn More Now ›

How do you fix tough meat in a slow cooker? ›

Add Just Enough Liquid

This doesn't mean the meat should be submerged; a cup or two of liquid will be enough, since the cooker is covered and liquids stay trapped inside. If you want the dish to be saucy, or you're making a beef stew, add enough liquid to come about 1/3 of the way up on the meats in the slow cooker.

Read On ›

What is the best way to cook pork chops so they are not tough? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops

Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
Baste the Pork Chops. ...
Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
Serve.

Feb 14, 2018

Read The Full Story ›

How do you make tough pork chops tender after cooking? ›

Slicing and Heating: One of the easiest ways is to slice the pork thinly and then reheat it slowly on a low setting, ideally in some kind of sauce or broth. This introduces some extra moisture and can help to tenderize the meat.

Read On ›

What happens if you slow cook pork too long? ›

“If you're cooking meat, you'll know it's done when it is fork-tender, meaning you can cut into it easily with just a fork,” she says. When meat is overcooked, it will be “tough and dry,” while overcooked vegetables will be mushy.

Tell Me More ›

Low Carb Pork Chops in Crockpot with Spice Rub [Recipe] (2024)

Pork Chops on Keto

How long does it take to cook pork chops in a slow cooker or crockpot?

Can you cook meat in a slow cooker without liquid?

Low Carb Pork Chops in Crockpot with Spice Rub [Recipe]

📖 Recipe

Low Carb Pork Chops in Crockpot with Spice Rub [Recipe]

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition

Reader Interactions

Comments

Leave a Reply

FAQs

Why are my pork chops tough in the slow cooker? ›

What can I put on pork chops for flavor? ›

References