I really enjoy making pork chops for dinner. They are a quick and easy main dish, and there are so many ways to cook them. If you’re like me and always looking for new pork chop recipes to add to your meal plan, you’re in for a treat.
Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite simple pork chop dishes. Both are packed with flavor and won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening. Let’s get cooking and make some delicious pork chops!
Jump to Recipe:
Smothered Pork Chops for a Cozy Dinner
These smothered pork chops are coated in a rich, creamy sauce that’s full of comfort. They are perfect for a family meal and come together easily.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Smothered Pork Chops
- Thick Pork Chops: Use bone-in or boneless chops about 1-inch thick. This helps them stay juicy as they cook.
- Building Flavor: Browning the pork chops first creates a lot of good flavor for the sauce base. Don’t skip this step!
What You Need for Smothered Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops, 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: 45 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 Servings
How to Make Smothered Pork Chops
Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry and season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until they are nicely browned. Take them out of the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
Add the sliced onion to the same skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and Finish
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nesting them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm.
📝 Final Note
These smothered pork chops pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that yummy sauce.
Sweet And Sour Pork Chops Recipe
These sweet and sour pork chops offer a delicious balance of flavors that’s both tangy and slightly sweet. It’s a fun and colorful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Sweet And Sour Pork Chops
- The Right Sauce Balance: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to your preference for a perfect sweet and sour taste.
- Colorful Veggies: Use a mix of bell pepper colors (red, green, yellow) to make your dish look as good as it tastes.
What You Need for Sweet And Sour Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops, 3/4-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 40 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 Servings
How to Make Sweet And Sour Pork Chops
Step 1: Cook the Pork Chops
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Take them out of the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Vegetables
In a small bowl, mix the reserved pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the same skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the drained pineapple chunks and return the cooked pork chops to the skillet. Coat the pork chops with the sauce and vegetables. Serve immediately.
📝 Final Note
These pork chops are fantastic served over fluffy white rice to catch all the flavorful sweet and sour sauce.
