These juicy skillet pork chops are cooked to perfection and topped with a simple yet tasty pan gravy. It’s a cozy meal that brings smiles to the dinner table!
Honestly, who can resist that golden gravy? I like to serve mine with mashed potatoes, and I might end up pouring the gravy over everything! 🤤
This recipe is so easy! Just sear the chops, make the gravy, and dinner is ready in a flash. It’s the kind of meal that makes me feel like a kitchen pro, even on busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are best for flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless, that works too! Just reduce the cooking time a bit since they cook faster.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika give great flavor. If you’re out of garlic powder, fresh minced garlic can be used, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level in the gravy. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use margarine or a high-quality oil like coconut oil.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works just as well. Low-sodium broth lets you manage the salt content. Vegetable broth can be a good swap for a lighter flavor.
Heavy Cream: You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, but the gravy may be a bit less rich. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using unsweetened almond milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour.
How Do You Get Perfectly Browned Pork Chops?
Achieving those beautifully browned pork chops is key for flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with dry pork chops—pat them down with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps achieve that nice crust.
- Heat the oil and butter together until hot and shimmering. This ensures a good sear!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is too crowded, the meat will steam instead of sear.
- Flip them only once! Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes for a lovely crust before flipping.
- Use a meat thermometer! Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe, juicy meat.
Best Skillet Pork Chops with Easy Pan Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth (or stock)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting everything prepped and seasoned, and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick yet scrumptious dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is an important step because it helps them sear nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to give them a wonderful flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until the oil is hot and shimmering. Then carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chops from the skillet and set them on a plate while you make the gravy.
3. Make the Gravy:
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook these for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Now pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Cream and Season:
Stir in the heavy cream and the Dijon mustard (if you’re using it). Let everything simmer together for about 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly. When it’s getting close, return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon some of that delicious gravy over them, and sprinkle with thyme if you like. Allow the chops to simmer in the gravy for another 3-5 minutes to heat through completely.
5. Taste and Serve:
Give the gravy a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Once it’s all set, garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch before serving. Enjoy your succulent pork chops with creamy pan gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or whatever side you love!
Now you’re ready to impress with homemade skillet pork chops and gravy that’s beyond easy to make!
FAQ for Best Skillet Pork Chops with Easy Pan Gravy
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work well too, but remember they may cook faster. Keep an eye on them and expect a shorter cooking time of about 3-4 minutes per side.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the gravy may be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try using unsweetened almond milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little splash of broth or cream to refresh the gravy.
Can I Make the Gravy Without Onions?
Yes, you can skip the onions if you prefer! You can enhance the flavor by adding a bit more garlic or including a splash of white wine in the gravy for added depth.