These pork chops are juicy and topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that adds a cozy touch to your meal. It’s like giving your dinner a big, warm hug!
I always think that garlic sauce makes everything better! Serve these chops with some mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a comforting dinner that’s hard to beat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and juiciness. If you can’t find them, boneless chops work just fine, but they may cook a bit faster. I usually prefer the bone-in for the extra taste.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms like button or cremini are excellent here. If you’re not a fan or don’t have any, you can skip them or use spinach as a substitute for a different texture and taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich. I’ve tried it with coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative, which adds a wonderful flavor.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a lovely tang. If you don’t have it, regular yellow mustard or even omitted won’t ruin the dish, but you’ll lose some depth of flavor.
Fresh Herbs: I love using fresh parsley for garnish, but feel free to swap it with other herbs like chives or even basil for a unique touch!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Cooking pork chops perfectly can be tricky, but following a few tips can help. Start by making sure your chops are at room temperature before cooking—this helps them cook evenly.
- Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Use medium-high heat to get a good crust. Don’t rush this step! Let them brown well on each side.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 145°F (63°C) for tender, juicy pork.
- Let your cooked chops rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy!
By using these tips, you’ll end up with perfectly cooked, flavorful pork chops every time! Enjoy your delicious meal!
Pork Chops with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking to perfection. It’s a quick and delightful meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, giving them a nice flavor boost right from the start.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. When the butter is melted, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and start to brown, about 5 minutes. This adds a delicious depth of flavor to your sauce!
4. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir it in. Cook for about 1 minute, keeping an eye on it to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells delicious!
5. Create the Sauce:
Now, pour in the chicken broth, and gently scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze it—this helps lift all the tasty bits stuck to the pan. Then stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme, letting the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Return the Pork Chops:
Put the seared pork chops back into the skillet and spoon some of that scrumptious sauce over them. Cover the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your pork chops hot, spooning any remaining sauce and mushrooms over them.
Enjoy your delicious pork chops with creamy garlic sauce alongside mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used, though they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. Keep in mind that using milk may require cooking the sauce a bit longer to achieve the same creaminess.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini to the skillet along with the mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure everything is cooked through.
