These juicy skillet pork chops are cooked to perfection and topped with a rich, delicious pan gravy. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a busy night!
Cooking them in a skillet means they get that perfect sear. Believe me, the smell alone will have everyone running to the table! I love serving these with mashed potatoes for a warm hug in food form.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and moisture. If you only have boneless chops, they can work too, but the cooking time will be shorter.
Onion: This adds sweetness and depth. If you’re averse to onions, try using shallots or even skip them altogether. The gravy will still be excellent!
Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but low-sodium store-bought works great for quick meals. You can swap it for vegetable broth if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter touch, use half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that the gravy might be less rich, but still delicious!
Thyme: Fresh is best, but dried thyme is a suitable substitute. Just remember that dried herbs are typically more potent, so use less.
How Can I Sear the Pork Chops to Make Them Juicy?
Searing the pork chops is key to getting a delicious crust and locking in moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil.
- Let the chops sit for a moment before flipping; resist the urge to move them around too early, as this helps form a brown crust.
- Check for a golden-brown color after 4-5 minutes on each side for perfect caramelization.
By following these tips, you’ll have juicy, flavorful pork chops that are sure to impress!
Skillet Pork Chops with Pan Gravy
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 or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes. Quick and delicious, perfect for weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry using paper towels. This helps them sear better. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure every bite is flavorful!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the pork chops to the hot oil. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are a beautiful golden brown. Once done, transfer the pork chops to a plate and cover them loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. Make the Pan Gravy:
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the butter into the skillet. If you’re using onions, add them now and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Mix in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—yum!
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Next, sprinkle the flour into the skillet, stirring to create a roux with the butter and leftover drippings from the pork. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
5. Add Liquids:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds great flavor! Once mixed, stir in the thyme and let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes.
6. Finish the Gravy:
Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the gravy is creamy and coats the back of a spoon nicely. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed!
7. Return Pork Chops:
Now, return the warm pork chops to the skillet, letting them soak up all that flavorful gravy. Cook for 2-3 minutes more to reheat them and meld all the wonderful flavors together.
8. Serve:
It’s time to dig in! Transfer the pork chops to plates, generously spoon the pan gravy over them, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color. Serve immediately, and enjoy your tasty meal with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful skillet pork chops with creamy pan gravy!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work fine for this recipe. Just remember to reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 minutes per side, as they cook faster without the bone.
What Should I Serve with Skillet Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad can also complement the meal nicely!
Can I Make the Gravy Without Flour?
Yes! For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the gravy during the simmering step to thicken it.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chops and gravy in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
