Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious: Smothered Pork Chops in a Savory Pan Sauce! This American classic brings together perfectly seared pork chops bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that will make your dinner guests rave. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal that’s ready in just over an hour. Trust us, once you try this dish, it will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Keep reading to discover how to create this savory sensation that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and just beginning to smoke.
- Carefully place seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove chops and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove lid and let sauce reduce for an additional 2-3 minutes to concentrate flavors.
- Transfer pork chops to serving plates and spoon the savory pan sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme if desired, and serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: To ensure even cooking, take the pork chops out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you start cooking. This helps them cook uniformly and prevents them from becoming tough.
- Dry and Season: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a nice crust during searing. Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper—season generously for maximum flavor.
- Get the Oil Hot: Make sure the olive oil is shimmering before adding the pork chops. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crust that adds texture and flavor.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic Carefully: When adding the onions and garlic to the skillet, keep an eye on them. You want the onions to become translucent and the garlic to be fragrant, but be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
- Scrape the Pan: When you add the chicken broth and other ingredients, be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift those delicious browned bits. They add depth and richness to your sauce.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This guarantees they're cooked through while remaining juicy.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the pork chops to rest briefly before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a more tender bite.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
