Thick and Juicy Pork Chops

Indulge in the delectable goodness of Thick and Juicy Pork Chops smothered in a rich and savory sauce. Follow this simple recipe to create a mouthwatering meal that will leave your taste buds craving more.

One of the ultimate comfort foods is a tender protein with a rich sauce on top, and this juicy pork chop meal fits that description 100%. Not only are these chops flavorful, but they’re also incredibly quick to make making it a fantastic busy weeknight dinner option!

The combination of thick, perfectly cooked chops and the savory flavors of the homemade lemony garlic, dijon sauce will no doubt please your palate and become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal. Happy cooking!

What You’ll Need

Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Olive or Avocado Oil
• Bone-in Pork Chops
• Creole Seasoning or Seasoning Salt
• Sweet Onion or Shallot
• Fresh Garlic
• Chicken Broth
• Heavy Cream
• Dijon Mustard
• Lemon Juice

Tools You’ll Need

• Large Skillet

Why You’ll like this Recipe

• It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish!
• It has the feel of a classic comfort meal!
• It’s versatile in what sides it can be served with!
• The crispy seared exterior and tender interior of the pork chop combined with the savory sauce is perfection!

How to Make this Recipe

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the pork chops with 1 teaspoon of the creole seasoning, or more if desired. 

2. Once the skillet is hot, sear the chops 5-6 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145℉. If desired, for the final minute of cook time, sear on the fat cap side of the pork chop. Transfer the chops to a plate and set aside. Turn down the heat to medium. 

3. Once cooled, add the onion or shallot and sauté 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté another minute. 

4. Whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any solid bits from the bottom of the pan, and allow the mixture to simmer 5 minutes. This will give it time to reduce and thicken. 

5. To the broth, add dijon mustard and lemon juice, followed by the heavy cream and remaining creole seasoning.  Simmer 1 minute, then turn off the heat. 

6. Serve pork chops with the sauce ladled on top.

Tips and Substitutions

• Allow the pork chops to sit at room-temperature at least 15-30 minutes prior to cooking for optimal results.
• Pork chops can easily dry out, so I recommend using an instant read or meat thermometer to avoid overcooking them. Pork is safe to eat at 145℉ along with a 3 minute rest time. At this recommendation, pork is slightly pink in the middle and this is safe to eat. 
• Bone-in or boneless pork chops can work in this dish. If you’re using bone-in and they don’t fit in the skillet, simply work in batches, adding more oil between sears if necessary.
• Thick and Juicy Pork Chops are delicious served over steamed rice, Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes or cooked noodles/pasta.

Storage

• Allow the cooked pork chops to cool down to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 3-4 days.
• Pork chops can be stored in the freezer in a freezer-safe container up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen pork chops in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken instead of pork?
  • Absolutely! This recipe is excellent made with chicken breasts or thighs as well!
• Can I make this with thinner pork chops?
  • Yes! Just adjust the cook time accordingly. Depending on their thickness, they’ll likely only need 2-4 minutes per side.
• Can I use milk or half and half instead of heavy cream?
  • You can substitute lighter dairy options for the heavy cream, but be aware that some curdling might occur and the texture will be thinner.
• What do I do if I want my sauce to be thicker?
  • You can whisk 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch into the heavy cream before adding to the skillet if you want to thicker consistency.
• What could I serve with Thick and Juicy Pork Chops?
  • There are so many possibilities, but here are a few favorites:
    • Crispy Green Beans
    • Marinated Vegetable Salad
    • Country Scalloped Corn
    • Gremolata Green Beans
    • Garlic Broccoli and Mushrooms
    • Buttered Potatoes

More Recipes Like This 

• Smothered and Covered Pork Chops
• Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Gravy
• Southern Fried Pork Chops and Gravy
• Crockpot Pork Roast and Gravy