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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are best for flavor and juiciness. You can use boneless chops if that’s what you have, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.

Mushrooms: I love using cremini for a richer flavor, but button mushrooms are a great substitute. Many types work here, so use what you prefer or have handy.

Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk if you’re looking for something lighter. Just know the sauce might be less thick.

Thyme: Fresh is wonderful for flavor. If you use dried thyme, remember it’s more concentrated, so use about half the amount. Italian seasoning can also work in a pinch!

How Do You Get Perfectly Golden Brown Pork Chops?

Searing the pork chops is crucial for building flavor. Here’s how you can achieve that perfect golden crust:

• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil—medium-high heat is ideal.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to sear evenly.
• Let the pork chops sit undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on each side to form a nice crust; resist the urge to move them too soon!
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out.

Following these tips will make your pork chops restaurant-quality at home!

Pork Chop Gravy

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Pork Chop Gravy recipe will take about 30 minutes in total, including about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but flavorful enough to impress your guests!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:

Start by generously seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. This step adds great flavor right from the start!

2. Searing the Pork Chops:

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork chops in the skillet. Let them sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a nice golden brown and are cooked through (you want them to reach an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C). After cooking, remove the chops from the skillet and keep them warm on a plate.

3. Cooking the Onions and Mushrooms:

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they brown and release some moisture.

4. Mixing in the Garlic:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

5. Thicken the Gravy:

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and mix well to coat everything. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.

6. Adding the Broth:

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. This helps to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep stirring as the sauce cooks and thickens, which should take around 3-5 minutes.

7. Creamy Finish:

Next, stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Add the fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme) and let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes until the gravy is wonderfully thick and creamy.

8. Combining Everything:

Return the seared pork chops to the skillet and spoon the rich gravy and mushrooms all over them. Allow them to rewarm in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Your Pork Chop Gravy is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs if desired, and enjoy this comforting dish over mashed potatoes or rice. Dig in and savor the deliciousness!

Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?

Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work just fine. Just be mindful that they may cook a bit faster than bone-in chops, so check for doneness a little earlier.

What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead. Keep in mind that using milk will make the gravy a bit lighter, and may require a bit more flour to thicken.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can cook the pork and gravy ahead of time, then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to loosen the gravy.

How Can I Add More Flavor to the Gravy?

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine in step 7 after you add the flour and before the chicken broth. You can also incorporate herbs like rosemary or sage for a different twist!