Herb-Crusted Smothered Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Herb-Crusted Smothered Pork Chops are a perfect blend of savory flavors and comforting textures, ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of fresh herbs and creamy sauce makes each bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Smothered Pork Chops

Pork chops are the star of the dish, providing a hearty protein base. Look for bone-in for added flavor. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the meat. Olive oil helps to sear the chops to a golden brown, creating a delicious crust. Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce, while heavy cream enriches it, making it luxuriously smooth. All-purpose flour thickens the sauce to the right consistency. Onion contributes a subtle sweetness, and garlic adds a savory kick. Fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the dish with earthy, aromatic notes. Finally, butter adds richness to the sauce, tying all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra crispy crust, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork is perfectly cooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before returning the pork chops to the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair beautifully with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the rich flavors of the dish. For a touch of sweetness, consider serving with a side of applesauce or caramelized apples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half since they are more concentrated.
What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?
You can transfer the pork chops and sauce to a baking dish before placing them in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chops in advance. Store them separately and combine them just before baking.

Herb-Crusted Smothered Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Season your pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat some olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops, searing them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they achieve a nice golden brown color. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside for now.

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Toss in the thinly sliced onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme, and let them cook for just a minute to release their aromatics.

Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir it in, cooking for about 2 minutes until the flour turns lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. It should start to thicken into a luscious sauce.

Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops to ensure they are well-coated. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pork is cooked through.

Once done, let the chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld even further.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare yet impressively flavorful.
  • Uses fresh herbs for an aromatic and fresh taste.
  • The creamy sauce perfectly complements the crispy crust.

Ingredients

4 (1-inch thick) bone-in pork chops
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic, rosemary, and thyme; cook for 1 minute.
6. Stir in flour, cooking for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
7. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering until thickened.
8. Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning sauce over them.
9. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until pork is cooked through.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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