This creamy garlic pork chops recipe is perfect for an easy dinner! Tender pork chops are cooked in a rich and tasty garlic cream sauce that makes every bite special.
Pair it with some mashed potatoes or a green salad for a wholesome meal. I love how quick it is to whip up—sometimes I feel like a master chef with just a pan and a few ingredients! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Use bone-in for more flavor or boneless for a quick option. If pork isn’t available, chicken breasts or thighs work too. Just adjust the cooking time!
Olive Oil or Butter: I love butter for its rich taste, but olive oil keeps it lighter. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based butter or just use olive oil.
Garlic: Whole garlic cloves give a sweet, mellow flavor when cooked. If you’re in a rush, you can use minced garlic, but cut back to 2-3 cloves as they’re stronger.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. If you want a lighter version, switch it for half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang to the sauce. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard can still do the job. You can skip it too if you prefer a milder flavor.
How Do I Get Perfectly Golden Pork Chops?
The goal is that beautiful golden crust! Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough; this creates a nice sear. Here’s how to do it:
- Pat the pork chops dry. Moisture can prevent proper browning.
- Heat the skillet until you see a shimmer in the oil or butter.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have too many chops, cook in batches.
- Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Resist the urge to flip too soon!
By following these steps, you’ll achieve beautifully cooked pork chops with great flavor. Happy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Sauce:
- 8-10 whole garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to serve up a crowd-pleasing dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice golden color while cooking. Season both sides with a generous amount of salt and black pepper for flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. After they’re nicely browned, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Garlic:
In the same skillet, toss in the whole garlic cloves. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and slightly softened. This will add a wonderful flavor to your sauce!
4. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time to build the sauce! Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet, loosening any delicious browned bits. Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Let this simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Simmer the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy sauce and garlic over each chop. Cover the pan and let everything simmer together for 6-8 minutes. Make sure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Final Touches:
Once cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper if you’d like. Your creamy garlic sauce should be delicious!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the pork chops hot with plenty of that scrumptious creamy garlic sauce on top. Sit back and enjoy your easy and flavorful dinner!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat Instead of Pork Chops?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking times as needed: chicken usually requires a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Do I Store Leftover Creamy Garlic Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to bring back that creamy texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use olive oil instead of butter, and skip the Parmesan cheese for a delightful dairy-free meal.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce Further?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce as it simmers. Allow it to cook for an extra minute until thickened.
