These pork chops are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to a rich garlic mushroom sauce. It’s a simple dish that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for any night!
I love serving these chops with mashed potatoes to soak up all that tasty sauce. They disappear fast, so be prepared for seconds! Who can resist such a delicious combo? 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are juicy and flavorful, but you can use boneless chops if that’s what you have. Just be careful not to overcook them since they’re thinner.
Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are great, but cremini mushrooms offer a deeper flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, try shiitake or portobello mushrooms; they’ll add a nice twist!
Heavy Cream: You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just know the sauce may taste a bit different!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is my favorite for its bright flavor, but dried thyme works too. Use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on My Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops truly enhances their flavor. To get a great crust, follow these steps:
- Start with room temperature pork chops—let them sit out for about 20 minutes before cooking.
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chops. This helps lock in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this will cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed.
- Once added, let them cook without moving them around for that crispy golden color.
Perfecting your chops really elevates this dish to restaurant quality! Enjoy cooking!
Pork Chops in Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- For the Garlic Mushroom Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- For Serving:
- Optional: fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish
- Green beans or other vegetables, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 35 minutes to serve up a delightful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
First, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step helps you achieve a lovely sear! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
2. Sear the Chops:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Add the pork chops and sear them until they are golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Don’t clean the skillet; we want all that flavor!
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
Now, reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter into the same skillet. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they start to brown and release their juices, which will take about 5-6 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally for even cooking.
4. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic—it smells amazing!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme leaves. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet, releasing all those delicious browned bits. Cook for about 3-4 minutes to let it reduce slightly.
6. Stir in Cream:
Now, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens a bit. This is where it starts to get really creamy and dreamy!
7. Combine and Cook:
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some mushroom sauce over the top. Let everything cook together on low heat for another 3-5 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Final Touches:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, making sure it’s just right!
9. Serve Up:
Plate the pork chops topped with that rich garlic mushroom sauce and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like. Serve alongside steamed green beans or your favorite veggies, and enjoy this hearty meal!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your creamy, savory Pork Chops in Garlic Mushroom Sauce!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork chops, just be mindful that they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No problem! Dried thyme works well too. Just use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. You can also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano for a unique twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Freeze the Cooked Pork Chops?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked pork chops with the mushroom sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.