Pan‑Seared Pork Chop with Pan Sauce
A succulent pan‑seared pork chop finished with a rich pan sauce and served alongside roasted vegetables or salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The pork chop develops an attractive golden crust, and the pan sauce adds depth and richness. It’s a refined yet straightforward main course.
ingredients
bone‑in or boneless pork chops
salt
black pepper
olive oil
butter
garlic, minced
onion or shallots
chicken stock or white wine
fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
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Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat.
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Sear pork chops until golden brown and cooked through; remove and rest.
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In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and shallots.
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Deglaze with stock or wine, scraping up browned bits.
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Reduce to a sauce consistency and return pork chops to warm briefly.
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Serve with pan sauce spooned over the top.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Variations
• Add Dijon mustard to the pan sauce for tang.
• Use apple cider in the sauce for a sweet‑savory element.
• Pair with sautéed apples or pears.
storage/reheating
Store cooked pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of stock.
FAQs
How do I prevent pork from drying out?
Cook to 145 °F internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
Can I use bone‑in and boneless chops interchangeably?
Yes, both work; bone‑in has slightly more flavour.
Should I rest the meat after cooking?
Yes, resting redistributes juices for tenderness.
What side dishes pair well?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green salads.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer until reduced, or whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry.
Can this recipe be gluten‑free?
Yes, ensure broth or wine is gluten‑free.
Why did my sauce separate?
Too rapid heat or adding cold liquid can cause separation; stir gently and reduce slowly.
Can I use pork tenderloin instead?
Yes, but reduce cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknights?
Yes, it’s quick and elegant enough for everyday meals.
Can I add mushrooms to the sauce?
Yes, sauté mushrooms with garlic for extra depth.
Conclusion
Pan‑seared pork chop with pan sauce delivers a delicious, restaurant‑quality entrée that is simple to prepare and rich in flavour.
PrintPan‑Seared Pork Chop with Pan Sauce
Pan-Seared Pork Chop with Pan Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish featuring juicy, golden-brown pork chops finished with a rich, savory pan sauce made from the flavorful browned bits left in the skillet — ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or more broth)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped (or 1/4 onion)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for a creamy sauce)
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add pork chops and sear 3–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 145°F (63°C). Remove and let rest.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, shallot, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, mustard, and thyme. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes until reduced slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream if using and simmer until sauce is thickened to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return pork chops to the pan briefly to coat with sauce, or serve sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
- Bone-in pork chops offer more flavor, but boneless work well too.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — sear in batches if needed.
- Let pork rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: pork chop, pan-seared pork, pan sauce, pork dinner, easy pork recipe, skillet pork
