One-Pan Stovetop Pork Chops and Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a simple, hearty meal that comes together quickly and easily. Stovetop pork chops and potatoes perfectly embody that comfort food ideal. This recipe combines tender, juicy pork chops with flavorful, perfectly cooked potatoes, all in one pan. It’s a weeknight winner that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor. Forget complicated recipes; this one is all about simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and delicious results.
This dish is infinitely adaptable. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, swap out the potatoes for other vegetables, or add a creamy sauce for extra richness. The basic principles remain the same: sear the pork chops for a beautiful crust, cook the potatoes until tender, and bring it all together in a flavorful pan sauce. Let’s dive into the details and create a stovetop masterpiece.
Why This Recipe Works
Several factors contribute to the success of this stovetop pork chop and potato recipe:
* **Even Cooking:** Starting the potatoes in the pan before adding the pork chops ensures that they have enough time to cook through completely. Parboiling the potatoes can also assist in this.
* **Sear and Simmer:** Searing the pork chops creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds flavor and texture. Simmering them in the pan sauce keeps them moist and tender.
* **Flavorful Pan Sauce:** The pan sauce, made from the drippings of the pork chops and potatoes, is the key to tying the whole dish together. Adding herbs, garlic, and a touch of acidity elevates the flavors.
* **One-Pan Convenience:** Cooking everything in one pan minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, as all the ingredients share their flavors throughout the cooking process.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Pork Chops:** Look for bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, but boneless chops cook more quickly.
* **Potatoes:** Yukon gold or red potatoes are excellent choices for this recipe. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they may become a bit more crumbly.
* **Onion:** A yellow or white onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for adding a pungent, aromatic flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for searing the pork chops and cooking the vegetables.
* **Chicken Broth:** Forms the base of the pan sauce, adding moisture and flavor.
* **Herbs:** Fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, add a touch of freshness and aroma.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the pork chops, potatoes, and pan sauce.
* **Optional Additions:** Butter, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, heavy cream, vegetables like carrots, celery, or green beans.
Detailed Recipe Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfectly cooked stovetop pork chops and potatoes:
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 4
**Ingredients:**
* 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick, bone-in or boneless)
* 1.5 pounds potatoes, Yukon gold or red, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops**
1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them to sear properly and develop a nice crust.
2. Season the pork chops generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of seasoning, as this will enhance the flavor of the pork.
**Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Onions**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the pork chops and potatoes in a single layer.
2. Add the cubed potatoes and chopped onion to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are lightly browned and slightly softened, about 8-10 minutes. This will give them a head start on cooking and ensure that they are tender by the time the pork chops are finished.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
**Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops**
1. Create some space in the skillet by pushing the potatoes and onions to one side.
2. Add the pork chops to the skillet, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches to ensure proper searing. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the pork chops from browning properly.
3. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and have a nice crust. Avoid moving the pork chops around too much during searing, as this will prevent them from developing a good crust.
**Step 4: Simmer in Pan Sauce**
1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the pan sauce.
2. Add the dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves) to the skillet. You can also add other herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to customize the flavor of the dish.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops.
4. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork chops are cooked to a safe temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, avoiding the bone.
**Step 5: Finish and Serve**
1. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork chops.
2. If desired, stir in a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of lemon juice into the pan sauce. The butter will add richness and the lemon juice will add brightness.
3. Taste the pan sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the pan sauce over them.
5. Serve the stovetop pork chops and potatoes immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Stovetop Pork Chops and Potatoes
* **Choose the Right Pork Chops:** Look for pork chops that are about 1 inch thick. Thinner chops will cook too quickly and may become dry.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches to ensure proper searing. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the pork chops from browning properly.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the pork chops are cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking them.
* **Let the Pork Chops Rest:** Allowing the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork chops.
* **Customize the Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to customize the flavor of the dish. For example, you could add carrots, celery, or green beans to the skillet along with the potatoes.
* **Add Cream for Extra Richness:** For a richer pan sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
Variations and Additions
This stovetop pork chop and potato recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are some variations and additions to try:
* **Creamy Mushroom Sauce:** Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and garlic. Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamy mushroom sauce.
* **Dijon Mustard Sauce:** Whisk a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the chicken broth before adding it to the skillet. The Dijon mustard will add a tangy and flavorful kick to the pan sauce.
* **Apple Cider Glaze:** Replace the chicken broth with apple cider for a sweet and savory glaze. Add a diced apple to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.
* **Spicy Pork Chops:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy seasoning blend, such as Cajun seasoning or chili powder.
* **Vegetable Medley:** Add other vegetables to the skillet along with the potatoes, such as carrots, celery, green beans, or bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that the vegetables are cooked through.
* **Sweet Potatoes:** Substitute sweet potatoes for the regular potatoes for a sweeter and more nutritious dish.
Serving Suggestions
Stovetop pork chops and potatoes is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side dish or two to round out the meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing and healthy accompaniment to the pork chops and potatoes.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy and colorful side dish.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful pan sauce.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs well with pork chops.
* **Applesauce:** Sweet applesauce is a traditional accompaniment to pork dishes.
Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers
This stovetop pork chop and potato recipe is best served immediately, but you can make it ahead of time and store leftovers for later. Here’s how:
* **Making Ahead:** You can prepare the pork chops and potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear the pork chops and simmer them in the pan sauce as directed in the recipe.
* **Storing Leftovers:** Store leftover pork chops and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the potatoes may become mushy when thawed.
Conclusion
Stovetop pork chops and potatoes is a simple, hearty, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy comfort food meal, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy this classic one-pan meal! It’s sure to become a family favorite. Remember to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your liking, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations. Happy cooking!