These juicy skillet pork chops are a true dinner favorite, cooked to perfection and topped with a simple yet tasty pan gravy. It’s comfort food at its best!
You won’t believe how easy this dish is! I love making it on busy weeknights when I want something quick and delicious. Plus, who doesn’t love a good gravy to smother everything in? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for this recipe because the bone adds flavor and moisture. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops work too, but reduce cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
Spices: The spice mix enhances the chops’ flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine, or you can skip it altogether. Some like adding a pinch of cayenne for heat!
Heavy Cream: I often use heavy cream for a rich gravy, but full-fat milk or even a dairy-free cream can work in a pinch. If you’re looking for lighter options, whole milk is a great alternative.
Chicken Broth: Use homemade broth if you have it for even more flavor. Vegetable broth or even water can replace it, but they may not impart the same richness.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops well creates a delicious crust that locks in the juices, ensuring they stay moist. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Dry the Chops: Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear.
- Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil. This helps the chops brown instead of steam.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Too many chops at once lower the skillet’s temperature, preventing a good sear.
- Don’t Move Them: Once you place the chops in the skillet, avoid flipping them too soon. Let them stay put for 4-5 minutes to develop a nice crust.
Getting that perfect sear is key to delicious pork chops! Enjoy your cooking!
Best Ever Skillet Pork Chops With Easy Pan Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for nice color and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to cook. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a good sear. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned pork chops. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C). Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a warm plate.
3. Make the Pan Gravy:
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
4. Create the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste, which creates a roux. This is the base for your gravy!
5. Whisk in the Chicken Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add lots of flavor! Then, add the Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken the Gravy:
Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook the gravy, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
7. Combine and Heat:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over the top. Cook for another 2 minutes just to heat everything through and let the flavors meld.
8. Serve:
Garnish your pork chops with chopped fresh parsley. Serve them hot with plenty of the pan gravy drizzled over the top. These chops are fantastic with mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables!
Enjoy your best ever skillet pork chops with easy pan gravy—a comforting and delicious dish sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used for this recipe! Just note that they will cook faster, so reduce the searing time by a couple of minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I Make the Gravy Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up if it thickens too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pork chops and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, making sure to stir occasionally to heat evenly.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. However, broth will give a richer flavor. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning as needed!
