Description
A hearty and savory one-pan meal featuring juicy pan-seared pork chops smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom and garlic sauce, topped with crispy bacon bits. This comfort food dish combines smoky, salty, and earthy flavors and comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Place the pork chops in the hot skillet with the bacon fat. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chops from the pan and set aside (they will finish cooking later).
- Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are soft.
- Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the pork chops and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer for 5-8 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Stir in half of the crispy bacon. Garnish with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Using bone-in pork chops helps keep the meat juicy, but boneless chops work well too (reduce cooking time slightly).
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
- This dish pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce
- Calories: 550-650
- Sugar: 3-5 g
- Sodium: 600-800 mg
- Fat: 40-50 g
- Saturated Fat: 20-25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6-8 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Protein: 35-45 g
- Cholesterol: 140-180 mg
