Smothered Boneless Pork Chops In Creamy Garlic Sauce
DifficultyEasy
Servings4
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops: a Savory Weeknight Delight
Introduction to Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
Welcome to my cozy corner of culinary delights, where today I'm thrilled to unveil the secret to turning an ordinary night into a spectacular dining experience with Creamy Garlic Pork Chops. Imagine tender, juicy pork chops bathed in a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce, a recipe that promises to whisk you away to a world of rich flavors and comforting warmth. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its mouthwatering taste but also in its simplicity. With mainstays like boneless pork chops, heavy cream, garlic cloves, and a dash of olive oil, you're just a few steps away from creating a meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether it's the middle of the week or a special weekend dinner, these creamy garlic pork chops are a perfect fit, easily paired with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal.
Key Takeaways:
- Creamy Garlic Pork Chops offer a rich and comforting dining experience.
- Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of key ingredients lead to a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Perfect for Any Night: An ideal choice for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend dinners.
Choosing Your Pork Chops
Alright, let's dive into one of my favorite parts: choosing your pork chops. You see, whether you decide to go with boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops can really make a difference in your creamy garlic pork chops adventure. Bone-in chops tend to have a bit more flavor and moisture because of the bone, which makes them a fabulous choice for that juicy perfection we're after.
However, boneless chops aren't without their charm. They cook a bit quicker, making them perfect for a quick dinner any night of the week. When picking out your chops, look for ones with a nice pink color and some fat marbling – this means they're ripe with flavor and will stay tender and juicy when you cook them. Don't rush this step; taking the time to choose the right type of pork chop can elevate your creamy garlic pork chops from just another meal to an unforgettable dining experience.
Prep Work: The Key to Efficiency
Imagine this: It's a bustling weekday evening and you're eyeing those succulent, boneless pork chops you've been dreaming of transforming into creamy garlic pork chops. But here's the secret sauce to turning that dream into a delectable reality - prep work. But I’m not just talking about any prep work; I’m suggesting we step into the world of mise en place, a fancy French term that simply means putting everything in its place. Why, you ask? Think about it.
Having your garlic cloves diced, your heavy cream at the ready, and your measuring spoons out not only cuts down on the cooking time but ensures you’re not frantically looking for the olive oil while your garlic overbrowns in the pan. Mise en place makes creamy garlic pork chops not just a meal, but a serene culinary adventure on any night of the week. So, grab that wooden spoon, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s make prep work our secret ingredient.
Cooking the Perfect Pork Chops
Achieving juicy perfection with your creamy garlic pork chops starts with the sear. I always warm up my large skillet over medium-high heat, awaiting that sizzle that tells me it's time. There's something almost magical about the process, searing each side to golden, mouth-watering perfection. It's crucial, though, not to let the allure of a beautiful sear lead to overcooking. Keeping a meat or instant-read thermometer handy ensures that I hit that safe internal temperature without passing the point of no return. After all, the goal is succulent, fork-tender chops bathed in creamy garlic sauce, a testament to a well-monitored cooking time.
Mastering the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Once we've got those pork chops seared to juicy perfection, it's time to dive into what truly makes this dish a standout: the creamy garlic sauce. Now, let me tell you, the foundation of this sauce is like the secret ingredient to your favorite recipe; it's all about those fragrant garlic cloves and that luscious heavy cream. The moment these two hit the pan with a bit of flour, magic happens. We're basically building a roux here—a simple mixture that chefs use to thicken sauces to that velvety consistency we're all craving. By gently cooking the flour with the browned bits left from the pork, and gradually whisking in chicken broth, we create a rich base. Then, a splash of heavy cream transforms it into a creamy garlic sauce so divine, it's hard not to envision it draping gracefully over the sides of your perfectly cooked chops.
Tips and Tools for this recipe
Check out my kitchen essentials, where you'll find my favorite kitchen tools, spices and more!
- I rely on my 10.25″ Le Creuset skillet for most of my skillet dishes.
- A instant-read thermometer is the quickest way to ensure thicker pork chops are cooked to 145°F.
- These are the dinner plates I usually use.
Herb and Cheese Enhancements
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese: Nothing beats the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan to take your creamy garlic sauce to new heights. It melts beautifully, adding a gourmet touch to every bite.
- Mix in some Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs is my go-to for adding depth and an instant Italian flair to dishes. A little sprinkle goes a long way in enhancing the flavor profile.
- Consider cream cheese for extra creaminess: Want your sauce even richer? Stir in some cream cheese. It brings a velvety texture that's absolutely divine.
- Don't forget the power of fresh garlic: While garlic powder does the trick, fresh garlic minced and sautéed until golden can elevate your sauce from great to unforgettable.
- Experiment with your favorite herbs: Whether it's a dash of rosemary or a sprinkle of basil, adding your favorite herbs lets you customize the taste to your liking. It's all about making the dish your own.
Accompanying Sides & Pairings
Now, let's chat about finding the perfect partners in crime for our creamy garlic pork chops, because let's be real, every standout dish deserves its perfect sidekick. Green beans, with their crisp bite and fresh flavor, create a delightful contrast to the dish's rich creaminess. It's like they're meant to be, back-to-back, supporting each other in every bite.
But why stop there? Cauliflower rice is another one of my go-to's. It's like it absorbs all that garlicky goodness, becoming this bed of creamy dreaminess that pairs oh-so-well with our main star. And for those nights when you're yearning for something a bit lighter but equally satisfying, zucchini noodles swoop in as the hero, twirling around your fork, mingling with that creamy sauce in the most delightful way.
Of course, we can't forget about tossing together a light salad or some gently steamed veggies. They're not just there to make your plate look pretty; they bring balance, adding that crunch and lightness, making every forkful of creamy garlic pork chops a journey through textures and tastes. Trust me, it's a combo that will have your taste buds singing!
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
After indulging in the creamy, garlicky goodness of these pork chops, you might find yourself with leftovers—which is a good thing in my book because they taste even better the next day. To keep them as juicy and delicious as when first made, you'll want to store them properly. Pop those succulent chops and any remaining creamy garlic sauce into an airtight container before sliding them into the fridge. This step ensures that none of that flavor escapes and helps keep everything wonderfully moist.
When it’s time to reheat, choosing the right method is crucial to revive those creamy garlic pork chops without drying them out. For a quick fix, the microwave does wonders; just cover the dish to trap in moisture and set it to medium power to avoid overheating the sauce and meat. Alternatively, for those of us who crave that slightly crisp edge like when it first sizzled in the skillet, the oven is your best bet. Place the pork chops in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm at a gentle 325°F just until heated through, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the creaminess of the garlic sauce intact, gently enveloping the pork chops for a second round of delight.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup heavy/whipping cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Allow the pork chops to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-5 minutes per side until golden (3 minutes for thinner chops, 5 minutes for thicker ones). Transfer to a plate when done.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the garlic browns slightly.
- Push the garlic aside and sprinkle in the flour. Cook for 30 seconds, then stir to create a quick roux.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
- Add garlic powder and cream, stirring until well combined.
- Return the pork to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the pork reaches a minimum temperature of 145°F. Let it rest for a few minutes off the heat to finish cooking.
- Season the sauce with extra salt, pepper, and parsley as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Wendy says
Just wondering. The ingredients don't list garlic cloves. But the instructions do. Am I missing something?
Krystel says
Hey there! Sorry for the confusion but it is the minced garlic.