Juicy and Flavorful Baked Pork Chops: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant.
  5. Stir in the chicken broth, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
  7. Return the pork chops to the skillet, covering them with the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the pork chops are cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your pork chops with extra sauce spooned on top.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet or frying pan is needed to cook the pork chops.
  • Tongs - Tongs will be useful for flipping the pork chops and removing them from the skillet.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh herbs.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for chopping the fresh herbs.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are required for accurate measurements of the herbs, mustard, and spices.
  • Whisk - A whisk is needed to combine the heavy cream with the sauce ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be useful for stirring the sauce and transferring the pork chops.
  • Plate - A plate is needed to rest the cooked pork chops before serving.

Recipe variations

  • Use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in chops for a quicker cooking time.
  • Add a breadcrumb crust to the pork chops by dipping them in beaten egg and then coating them with seasoned breadcrumbs before cooking.
  • Try using different herbs and spices for a different flavor profile, such as smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
  • For a healthier option, grill the pork chops instead of pan-frying them.
  • Make a creamy mushroom sauce by sautéing sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the chicken broth and cream.
  • Replace the pork chops with chicken breasts or turkey cutlets for a poultry alternative.
  • Make a vegetarian version by substituting tofu or seitan for the pork chops and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
  • Serve the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Recipe overview

This flavorful, hearty Pork Chops recipe is a perfect meal for any night of the week. The recipe features bone-in pork chops that are first seared to a perfect golden brown, then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, chicken broth, fresh herbs, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The result is tender, juicy pork chops with a delicious, savory sauce that goes perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes or vegetables. This recipe is quite simple, requiring only a handful of common ingredients and about half an hour of your time. The steps are straightforward enough for beginner cooks, but the final dish is sure to impress even experienced foodies. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. How long should I cook the pork chops? - Cook the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Then, return them to the skillet with the sauce and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through.
  2. Can I use boneless pork chops instead? - Yes, you can use boneless pork chops for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless chops may cook slightly faster.
  3. What can I serve with these pork chops? - These pork chops pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
  4. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a different ingredient? - If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, keep in mind that it may alter the texture and richness of the sauce.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? - While it's best to enjoy the pork chops immediately after cooking, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. However, the pork chops are best cooked fresh for optimal flavor and tenderness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the pork chops and prepare the sauce.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the pork chops while cooking.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press makes it easier to mince the garlic cloves for the sauce.
  • Whisk - A whisk is helpful for stirring and combining the sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula can be used to transfer the cooked pork chops to a plate.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed for chopping fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.
  • Serving Plate - A serving plate is used to present the cooked pork chops.

Origin stories

Pork chops are a beloved staple in American cuisine, but their popularity truly soared during the 1930s due to a cartoon pig named Porky. Warner Brothers' lovable character became an unexpected promoter for pork products, leading to a surge in their consumption. While this bit of trivia doesn't change the delicious nature of a well-cooked pork chop, it does add a fun twist to your dinner conversation. Just imagine – the popularity of your dinner may have been influenced by a stuttering cartoon pig!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.