Imagine cutting into a tender, golden-brown pork chop that's so succulent it practically melts in your mouth, then dragging each bite through a luxurious sauce that's bursting with the fresh, delicate flavors of chives and caramelized onions. This isn't just another boring weeknight dinner - this is a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds and thinking you've secretly trained as a professional chef. Get ready to transform your ordinary pork chops into an extraordinary culinary experience that's both simple to prepare and incredibly impressive!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork loin chops
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork loin chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and appears hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place seasoned pork chops in the skillet and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to rest and retain heat.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions over medium heat until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream, mixing gently with the onions to create a smooth sauce.
- Add chopped chives to the sauce, stirring to distribute evenly and release their fresh flavor.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning the chive and onion sauce over them to reheat and coat thoroughly.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh chives if desired, and pair with your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat those chops dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook pork chops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure proper searing.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the meat rest: After cooking, allow pork chops to rest for 5-7 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- Fresh herbs matter: Use freshly chopped chives for the brightest, most vibrant flavor in your sauce.
- Low and slow for the sauce: When adding sour cream, use low heat to prevent curdling and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 412kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
