Creamy Herbed Pork Chops: A Decadent Weeknight Delight

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than these Creamy Herbed Pork Chops! This recipe transforms simple pork chops into a restaurant-worthy dish with a luscious creamy sauce infused with fresh herbs. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for a special occasion. Get ready to elevate your pork chop game!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of seared pork chops and a creamy herbed sauce is simply divine.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt the herbs and spices to your liking.
• Impressive: This dish looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
• Budget-Friendly: Pork chops are an affordable protein option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pork Chops: We recommend using bone-in pork chops for the best flavor, but boneless chops will work too. Aim for chops that are about 1-inch thick.
• Olive Oil: For searing the pork chops.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for the savory base of the sauce.
• Shallots: Finely minced shallots provide a delicate onion flavor. If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute with finely chopped yellow onion.
• Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay work well. You can substitute with chicken broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy, decadent texture of the sauce.
• Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley is perfect for this dish. You can also use other herbs like sage or oregano.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of tanginess and helps to emulsify the sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
• Meat Thermometer (optional, but recommended)
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Spoons and Cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly seared pork chops with a creamy herbed sauce:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.
2. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough that the oil shimmers.
2. Carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook in batches.
3. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and have a nice crust.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Herbed Sauce

1. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour in the dry white wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze, loosening any browned bits. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pork Chops and Sauce

1. Return the seared pork chops to the skillet with the creamy herbed sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops to coat them evenly.
3. Let the pork chops simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through.
4. Optional: Squeeze a little lemon juice over the pork chops before serving to brighten the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Creamy Herbed Pork Chops immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
2. Great served with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Herbed Pork Chops

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cooking the pork chops in batches ensures they get a good sear. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of sear.
• Don’t overcook the pork chops: Pork chops can become dry and tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add the best flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of cream, herbs, and spices to your personal preference.
• Let the sauce simmer: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and thicken.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like sage, oregano, or chives.
• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the shallots and garlic for a heartier sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
• Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
• Boneless Pork Chops: You can use boneless pork chops if you prefer, but bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful.
• Chicken Broth Substitution: Use vegetable broth if you don’t have chicken broth on hand.
• Wine Substitution: If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth and a tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Herbed Pork Chops are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich sauce.
• Rice: Fluffy rice is another great option for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans are a simple and delicious side.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork chops.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare certain components of this dish ahead of time to save time on a busy weeknight:

• Pork Chops: Season the pork chops with salt and pepper up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
• Sauce: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding the pork chops.
• Chopped Herbs: Chop the fresh herbs and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Storage Instructions

• Leftovers: Store leftover Creamy Herbed Pork Chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g

Recipe Card

Creamy Herbed Pork Chops

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt.
5. Add garlic and shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until softened.
6. Pour in the white wine and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine reduce slightly.
7. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
9. Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
10. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the pork chops are heated through.
11. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Herbed Pork Chops!

Conclusion

These Creamy Herbed Pork Chops are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their tender, juicy pork and a luscious, flavorful sauce, they’re a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal!