I often find myself looking for simple, comforting dinners, and pork chops are always a great choice. They’re quick to cook and you can do so many different things with them!
Today, I’m sharing two fantastic pork chop recipes that I know you will love. Both are easy to make and bring big flavors to your family dinner table.
Jump to Recipe:
Classic Comfort: Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
This recipe makes tender pork chops cooked in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for any night.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Smothered Pork Chops
- Bone-in Chops: They stay juicy and add more flavor to the gravy than boneless chops.
- Browning is Best: Getting a nice brown crust on the chops before simmering builds a deeper flavor for your sauce.
- Slow Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering step. It helps the pork chops become super tender and soak up all the good flavors.
What You Need for Smothered Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Smothered Pork Chops
Step 1: Prep and Sear Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Lightly coat the chops in flour. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown. Remove chops from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Gravy Base
Add the sliced onion to the same skillet and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the remaining flour and stir for 1 minute.
Step 3: Simmer the Chops
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let them simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve your delicious smothered pork chops warm with your favorite side dishes.
📝 Final Note
These smothered pork chops pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up every bit of that amazing gravy.
Zesty Dinner: Sweet And Sour Pork Chops
These pork chops offer a great balance of bright, tangy, and sweet flavors that make dinner exciting. It’s a quick and easy recipe for a weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
- Pineapple Chunks: Don’t skip the canned pineapple; it adds a lovely sweetness and texture.
- Colorful Veggies: Use a mix of bell peppers (red, yellow, green) for a visually appealing dish and different mild pepper flavors.
- Cornstarch Slurry: This is key to getting a thick, shiny sauce that coats the pork chops perfectly.
What You Need for Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Step 1: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the reserved pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk well until the sugar dissolves. This will be your flavorful sweet and sour sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pork Chops
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden color. Remove the cooked pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook Veggies and Combine
Add the chopped bell peppers to the same skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet with the peppers. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Thicken and Serve
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Return the pork chops to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Serve immediately with steamed white rice.
📝 Final Note
For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds over your sweet and sour pork chops before serving.
