I love pork chops. They are quick to cook and can taste amazing with just a few ingredients. If you are looking for simple dinner ideas, you came to the right place.
I’ve gathered three of my favorite pork chop recipes that are easy to make and full of good flavor. Whether you like them baked, with a sweet sauce, or with a creamy gravy, I have something for you here.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Pork Chops With Apple Cider: Sweet & Tangy Dinner
- 2. Pork Chops With Mushroom Gravy: Comfort Food Dinner
- 3. Oven Baked Pork Chops: Easy Dinner Idea
Pork Chops With Apple Cider: Sweet & Tangy Dinner
These pork chops are cooked in a delicious apple cider sauce that is a little sweet and a little tangy. It’s a fantastic meal, especially good when apples are in season.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Good Quality Cider: Use unsweetened apple cider for the best flavor. Apple juice can be too sweet and not give the same depth.
- Thyme is Key: Fresh thyme pairs beautifully with apple and pork. If you don’t have fresh, use half the amount of dried thyme.
- Reduce the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer and thicken a bit after you take the chops out. This makes it rich and full of flavor.
What You Need
- 4 boneless pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup unsweetened apple cider
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 apple (sliced)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes (15 prep, 25 cook)🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Season and Sear Chops
Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove chops from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the apple slices and fresh thyme. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Thicken and Serve
Remove chops from the pan. If the sauce is too thin, increase heat and simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly. Spoon the sauce and apples over the pork chops to serve.
📝 Final Note
A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can brighten the sauce if you like a tangier flavor.
Pork Chops With Mushroom Gravy: Comfort Food Dinner
This recipe gives you tender pork chops covered in a rich, earthy mushroom gravy. It’s truly comforting and makes a wonderful dinner that feels special but is still easy.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Mushrooms: Use cremini (baby bella) mushrooms for the best mushroom flavor, but white button mushrooms work too. Slice them evenly.
- Deglazing: Don’t skip deglazing the pan with broth or water after searing the chops and cooking the mushrooms. Those browned bits add a lot of flavor to your gravy.
- Flour for Thickening: A little flour helps thicken the gravy. Make sure to cook it for a minute or two after adding to remove any raw flour taste.
What You Need
- 4 boneless pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes (15 prep, 30 cook)🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Season and Sear Pork Chops
Pat pork chops dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove chops from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms and Aromatics
Add sliced mushrooms to the same skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their liquid and start to brown. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the gravy thickens.
Step 4: Finish Chops in Gravy
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Final Touches
If using, stir in the heavy cream and heat through for 1-2 minutes (do not boil after adding cream). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
📝 Final Note
This mushroom gravy is amazing over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Oven Baked Pork Chops: Easy Dinner Idea
These pork chops are super simple to make and come out tender every time. You will love how quickly you can get a delicious meal on your table.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Thickness Matters: Use bone-in or boneless chops about 1-inch thick. Thinner chops cook too fast and can dry out.
- High Heat Start: A quick sear on the stove before baking creates a nice crust and locks in juices. This step is worth the extra few minutes!
- Rest Time: Let your baked pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making them more tender.
What You Need
- 4 boneless pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes (10 prep, 20 cook)🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep Pork Chops and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning all over both sides of each pork chop.
Step 2: Sear the Chops
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. This creates a good crust.
Step 3: Bake Until Done
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached. Cooking time will depend on thickness.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Take the skillet out of the oven. Let the pork chops rest in the pan, covered loosely with foil, for 5-10 minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy.
📝 Final Note
For extra moisture, you can add a pat of butter on top of each chop before baking.