Hearty Skillet Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're in the mood for a comforting, homestyle meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen, these Hearty Skillet Pork Chops are just the ticket. With a savory blend of herbs and simple ingredients, this dish is a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast.

Ingredients for Hearty Skillet Pork Chops

Pork chops: Choosing bone-in chops helps retain moisture, giving you juicy and flavorful meat. Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps sear the chops to a beautiful golden brown. Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the pork. Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish when caramelized. Garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor. Chicken broth: Creates a savory sauce that keeps the pork chops moist. Butter: Adds richness and a glossy finish to the sauce. Fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, vibrant touch at the end. Dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the pork beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juices.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety and tenderness.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty grain like quinoa. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A crusty bread would also be ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but they tend to cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.
Can I substitute chicken broth with another liquid?
Vegetable broth or even a splash of white wine can work well as a substitute for chicken broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Hearty Skillet Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

Start by patting your pork chops dry with a paper towel, then season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This helps to enhance the flavor and create a nice crust when seared.

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. After searing, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add your sliced onion. Cook it over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce.

Return the pork chops to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the pork simmer for about 10-12 minutes. This step ensures the pork chops cook through while remaining juicy.

Finish by stirring in a tablespoon of butter, letting it melt into the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dried thyme right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Rich, savory flavors from a simple list of ingredients.
  • One-skillet recipe means minimal cleanup.
  • Uses pantry staples, so no last-minute grocery runs are needed.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the pork chops in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
7. Return the pork chops to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.
8. Stir in butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley and dried thyme before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!