Creamy Pan Seared Pork Chops is such an easy weeknight dinner! Juicy boneless pork chops are seared over high heat to get that irresistible crust. Sautéed mushrooms and asparagus in a creamy pan sauce bring it all together. Dinner is done in 30 minutes! Originally published March 5, 2020.
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love these mushroom pork chops!
- Ingredients for Mushroom Pork Chops
- How to cook mushroom pork chops
- What to serve with these pork chops
- Storing mushroom pork chops
- FAQs about making mushroom pork chops
- More weeknight pan seared recipes you will love!
- Pork Chops with Mushroom and Asparagus Recipe
My newborn’s social security card came in the mail, and I promptly signed it. There is an instruction at the top that says, “Adults: sign this card in ink immediately.” I was congratulating myself for being so obedient (I’m a born rule-follower) but then I kept reading. “Children: Do not sign this card until age 18.” I realized that I am not the adult this card was talking to. I should have left it blank.
A couple days later Eric was going through our filing cabinet and showed me that I also signed the social security cards for two of our other kids. So apparently I’ve been an idiot for several years, it’s not just a recent thing. How did I ever get through college?? I will pay penance by sitting on hold with the social security office for hours on end, I’m sure.
My mom made me feel better by sending me a few online forums where other Idiots of America talk about having done the same thing. It helped. I know my people.
Well even if I can’t follow basic instructions on government forms, at least I can make dinner. That’s something right? No one has starved on my watch (yet). Which is kind of a miracle considering I’ve been nursing a newborn nonstop for 2 months. Basically anything that gets done besides feeding the baby is a miracle.
Things have actually eased up a bit lately. I finally told the baby to stick it, and put him on a schedule. He’s two months old and doesn’t need to nurse on demand anymore, according to me, Queen Mother. So there, baby. Look who’s boss now!! I think we’re all a lot happier now. Next step: cut out the 4am feeding. Wish me luck!
Why you’ll love these mushroom pork chops!
Who’s ready for some pork chops? I am obsessed with this recipe! Pork chops have always been a favorite of mine. My mom’s most special meal that she made for us growing up were these Saucy Pork Chops, straight out of Betty Crocker I believe. Pork chops just have such a homey taste, don’t you think?
This recipe for creamy pan seared pork chops is a little more sophisticated, with sautéed asparagus and mushrooms, and a simple pan sauce of balsamic vinegar and cream, with a hint of thyme. It’s delicious and SO easy to put together. It’s good on its own or over some noodles or potatoes.
Ingredients for Mushroom Pork Chops
Here’s a quick shopping list to help you gather your ingredients. See the recipe card below for the full ingredients and instructions!
- boneless pork chops
- flour
- Kosher salt
- garlic powder
- black pepper
- butter
- olive oil
- asparagus
- mushrooms
- balsamic vinegar
- chicken broth
- cream (or half and half)
- fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
How to cook mushroom pork chops
Here’s a quick overview of how to make these pork chops (full instructions below in the recipe card):
First things first: prepping the pork. For this recipe I like to use boneless pork chops because they cook a little faster, but you could easily use bone in pork chops no problem. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer.
My best tip for pan searing pork chops is one I learned from Cook’s Illustrated: use a knife to make a slit in two spots on the fat cap of the pork chop, like so:
The thick fat cap will cook faster than the meat when you are pan searing. The fat starts to shrink, dragging your still-raw pork chop with it. This makes the pork chop curl in on itself. If your chop is curling, it will not have a chance to sear properly! Slitting the fat cap solves the problem.
Next we make a really simple flour and spice mixture: salt, pepper, garlic powder and flour. Rub each pork chop so that it’s completely coated. There will be some flour mixture leftover, don’t throw it out! We’re using it to thicken the sauce later.
Heat the pan over medium high heat and add some butter and oil. Add the pork chops so that there is plenty of space in between the chops (you will steam them instead of searing, if they are too close together.) How long you sear the pork chops is going to depend on the thickness of your chop (See recipe for more details.
Once the pork is cooked, remove from the pan and keep warm while you saute some asparagus and mushrooms (or literally any vegetable you want!) After that, make a 10 minute pan sauce. It’s all done in the same pan but separately. Add it all back into the pan when the sauce is done and voila! Dinner is done.
These pork chops are really good served over white or brown rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a low carb option. A green salad to go with it, and dinner is done!
How long to cook pork chops on the stove
Don’t overcook your pork chops! You want to make sure that the chops are browned on the outside and cooked just until done on the inside.
You’re going to sear them over medium high heat for about 2 minutes, then turn the heat to medium and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. When they’re nice and brown on the bottom, flip each one, swirling the pan to spread around the fat as necessary. Cook on the second side over medium heat for another 4-5 minutes, depending on thickness, until a meat thermometer registers 140 degrees F. Depend on your meat thermometer more than the times!
What to serve with these pork chops
The best part about these pork chops in mushroom sauce is that they come with asparagus and mushrooms, so you could totally serve this as a one-and-done dinner. Of course, all that mushroom sauce goes super well with mashed potatoes, rice (white or brown), egg noodles, or cauliflower rice. I love keeping things simple on weeknights!
Storing mushroom pork chops
These pork chops (and the sauce and veggies) can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing them since the creamy sauce can separate. These are a quick and easy dinner, so enjoy them fresh!
To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
FAQs about making mushroom pork chops
You want tender pork chops, not tough ones! The secret is making sure they’re only cooked until done, not dried out. Check them using a meat thermometer and only cook them to 140. This is easiest if you choose a pork chop that’s at least 1 inch thick. Thin cut pork chops, also known as “breakfast cut,” cook so quickly that they’re really easy to overcook.
Some people get worried about food safety with pork chops, and they cook them to a dry, unappealing slab of sadness. Don’t do it! Your pork chops are done when they reach 140 on the meat thermometer. Cook them longer than that, and they’re not going to be moist and juicy. These are getting HOT on the exterior, which is where most bacteria live. The sear is creating an amazing crust and making your pork chops safe to eat at the same time.
I like to dredge these pork chops in flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. It’s a simple combination, but the natural flavors of the pork are enhanced by the simple seasonings, and the flour creates a beautiful light crust in the butter and oil.
More weeknight pan seared recipes you will love!
- Pan Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze << this is a delicious autumn dinner. Love pork chops!
- Saucy Pork Chops << an old Betty Crocker classic! My mom made this ALL the time growing up!
- Pan Seared Chicken and Broccolini << This is a reader favorite! and one of mine too!
- Pan Seared Salmon with Maple Glaze and Pistachios << one of my favorite ways to eat salmon
- Pan Seared Chicken in Lemon Basil Cream Sauce << lemon basil is just the best combo
- Pan Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella << a delicious and healthy dinner!
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon (30 Minute Dinner) << perfectly pan-seared salmon, drowning in a creamy parmesan sauce with garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil, yummm
- Pan Seared Scallops in Creamy Champagne Sauce << tender, buttery, pan seared scallops with a creamy wine sauce, how romantic
- 20-Minute Pan Seared Salmon with Arugula Pesto << a perfect healthy weeknight meal.
- Pan Seared Seabass from Sue Bee Homemaker
- Pan Seared Black Cod with Miso Butter from The Ravenous Couple
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Pork Chops with Mushroom and Asparagus
Ingredients
For the pork
- 4 1 inch boneless pork chops, (about 1 and 1/2 pounds)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter, for pork
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for pork
For the veggies and sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, for veggies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for veggies
- 1 pound asparagus, ends snapped off and sliced into thirds
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
For the pan sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream, or you can use half and half
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the “keep warm” setting, which is about 170 degrees F.
- Heat a dry 12-inch skillet over medium high heat. You want it to get nice and hot, at least 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prep your pork chops. Pat dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to snip the fat cap in 2 spots along the side of the chop. (See photo). Sometimes when you sear pork chops, the thick strip of fat constricts, causing the pork chop to curl up on itself, meaning it won’t sear very well. Making cuts in the fat helps to avoid this curling. (The thinner your pork chops are, the more they will curl.)
- Add the 1/4 cup flour, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1/2 to 1 tablespoon black pepper to a shallow bowl or plate, and stir it all together.
- Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, coating well and making sure to get the edges. Do NOT discard the flour mixture that is leftover! We’re using it later.
- When your skillet is very hot (medium high heat), add 1 tablespoon each butter and olive oil. When the butter is melted and the oil shimmers, add each pork chop. Do not crowd them together, make sure there is plenty of space in between each chop so that they brown instead of steam.
- Sear over medium high heat for about 2 minutes, then turn the heat to medium and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. When the chops are nice and brown on the bottom, flip each one, swirling the pan to spread around the fat as necessary. Cook on the second side over medium heat for another 4-5 minutes, depending on thickness, until a meat thermometer registers 140 degrees F. Depend on your meat thermometer more than the suggested times.
- Remove the pork chops to a baking sheet and place in the warm oven. (this will not cook the chops, it’s just to keep them nice and warm. You can just remove to a plate on the counter if you prefer.)
- Cook the veggies. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the still-hot skillet. (If you haven’t prepped your veggies yet, turn off the heat).
- Add the asparagus and mushrooms to the hot pan and cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, scraping up the browned bits from the pork, until the asparagus is crisp-tender.
- Remove the veggies to the pan in the oven (or to a plate).
- Return the pan to the burner over medium high heat, and add 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Let it bubble for 30 seconds or so until it starts reducing, scraping up any bits.
- Gradually add 1 cup chicken broth while stirring. Add 3 sprigs of thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Whisk in all the remaining flour mixture that you dredged the pork chops in. Simmer until there are bubbles all across the top, to make sure that any contamination from the flour is cooked out.
- Reduce the heat to medium and gradually whisk in the cream.
- Add the pork chops and the veggies back into the skillet, including any juices. Let the pan sauce simmer gently on medium or medium low heat until the sauce has thickened somewhat, another 2-5 minutes.
Really good but a bit too salty
This recipe sounds great but how do you think it would work with chicken as my husband doesn’t eat pork.
Hi Judy! This would be great with chicken. Either pound chicken breasts until thin or buy cutlets; you could also make cutlets by cutting thicker chicken breasts in half horizontally. That way they’ll cook quickly without drying out. Enjoy!