Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly seared, juicy pork chop topped with a rich, garlicky mushroom sauce that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Garlic Mushroom Pork Chops recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and some expert cooking techniques, you'll create a dish that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef – all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place pork chops in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside on a plate, loosely tented with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and sauté for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the sauce's flavor.
- Simmer the mushroom sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning the mushroom sauce over them to reheat and combine flavors.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent results.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the pork chops. This simple step helps achieve that golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and juiciness.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook pork chops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures juicy, safe-to-eat meat every time.
- Let the Meat Rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: The fresh thyme isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish. Pro Tip: The same skillet method used for this recipe works magic by building layers of flavor, using the same pan to create a delicious mushroom sauce that complements the pork perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
