Smothered Boneless Pork Chops in Creamy Garlic Sauce: Quick and Delicious Dinner in 30 Minutes
Smothered Boneless Pork Chops in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a comforting and tasty dish that brings together tender pork chops and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe takes just about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love this dish for its simplicity and flavor. The boneless pork chops are juicy and tender, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a delightful richness that makes it hard to resist. This recipe is perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick but satisfying meal. Plus, you can serve it with your favorite sides for a complete dinner. With just a few ingredients, it’s an enjoyable and rewarding experience to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re missing some of the ingredients or prefer alternatives, here are some substitutions:
- Pork Chops: You can use bone-in pork chops if you prefer.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though the richness will be reduced.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can work as a substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
- Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but fresh delivers the best flavor.
For a variation, try adding mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the pork chops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper. Cook the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the garlic sauce
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these bits add great flavor to your sauce.
Stir in the flour, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine and finish
Return the pork chops to the skillet, coating them well in the creamy sauce. Let them cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 145°F). Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Success tips
- Temperature: Ensure that your skillet is at the right temperature. Too hot, and the pork might burn; too low, and it won’t develop a good color.
- Texture: Don’t rush the sauce; allow it to simmer so it gets nice and thick.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking pork chops. If they’re too close together, they won’t brown properly.
How to serve
Serve these Smothered Boneless Pork Chops immediately, drizzled generously with creamy garlic sauce. They pair great with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook and dry out the pork.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I cook pork chops in a skillet?
Generally, pork chops should be cooked for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I use frozen pork chops?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking for even results.
What can I serve with Smothered Boneless Pork Chops?
They pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. Fresh salad or crusty bread is also a great addition.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce while making the creamy garlic sauce for a bit of heat.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish is a hearty option with good protein content from the pork chops. The heavy cream adds richness, but those watching calories can substitute with lighter options.
Conclusion
Smothered Boneless Pork Chops in Creamy Garlic Sauce is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. With its savory flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to try it tonight and enjoy a delicious and fulfilling dinner with minimal effort!
For more delightful dinner ideas, check out these related recipes:
- Creamy Garlic Chicken
- One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken
- Easy Beef Stroganoff
Smothered Boneless Pork Chops in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless pork chops
- ¾ cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk.
- ½ cup chicken broth Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian option.
- 2 tablespoons butter Divided into two portions.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic Fresh garlic recommended for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the flour, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Finish
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, coating them well in the creamy sauce.
- Let them cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.