Herb-Crusted Smothered Pork Chops
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.
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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.
Herb-Crusted Smothered Pork Chops 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 Ideas for Herb-Crusted Smothered Pork Chops
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 This Herb-Crusted Smothered Pork Chops Works
- 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.