Ah, the simple joy of a weeknight meal that doesn’t demand your soul—or your time. These Easy Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops are like that comforting sweater you reach for when the temperatures drop—familiar, warm, and oh-so-reliable. Imagine this: tender pork chops swimming in a creamy mushroom sauce that comes together faster than you can say “takeout”—a savory solution to the mid-week dinner dilemma.
Steps
- If you choose to brine, mix water, salt, and sugar in a bowl until dissolved, adding peppercorns and garlic if desired. Immerse the pork chops in the brine for 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
- Combine cream of mushroom soup, half and half, garlic, thyme, and pepper in a bowl. If not sautéing mushrooms, add them directly to the sauce now.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove pork chops from the brine, if used, and pat them dry. Season both sides with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, rubbing it into the meat.
- Heat a cast iron or oven-safe skillet on medium-high until hot, then add butter. Sear each pork chop for 2-3 minutes on each side until they begin to pull away from the pan.
- Optionally, remove pork chops and sauté mushrooms in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until tender, then add them back with the pork chops.
- Pour the prepared mushroom sauce over the pork chops in the skillet, ensuring an even coating.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, checking that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
- Once cooked, let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Ingredients
- 2 – 2½ lb bone-in pork chops (3-4), 1 – 1 1/2 inch thickness (boneless can be used as well)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust if desired)
- 2 T unsalted butter
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
- 1/2 cup half and half (or whole milk as an alternative)
- Fresh mushrooms (or canned, depending on preference)
- Garlic (adjust based on the garlic content of the mushroom soup)
- Thyme
- Optional Brine Ingredients:
- 3 cups water (or more to cover the meat)
- 2 T salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 T peppercorns
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
FAQ
- Do I need to brine the pork chops before cooking?
- Brining is not mandatory, but it significantly enhances the juiciness and tenderness of the pork chops by infusing moisture and flavor. If you have the time, a brine of at least 15-30 minutes is recommended.
- Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
- Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but they may be less juicy and are more prone to overcooking. It’s advisable to remove them from the oven just before they reach 145°F, allowing them to finish cooking while resting.
- What should I serve with Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops?
- Mashed potatoes are a popular choice, such as Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Boursin Mashed Potatoes. For a lighter side, consider roasted green beans or a fresh salad like Apple Arugula Salad.
- Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet for cooking these pork chops?
- A cast iron skillet is ideal as it retains and distributes heat evenly, ensuring the best results. However, a stainless steel pan will also work if a cast iron skillet is unavailable.
- What internal temperature should pork chops reach for safe consumption?
- Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. At this temperature, they are safe to eat and will remain juicy, even if they have a slight pink color.
Tips
- Bring Pork Chops to Room Temperature: For evenly cooked pork chops, it’s best to let them sit out for about 20 minutes before cooking. This ensures the meat cooks uniformly and helps maintain its juiciness.
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops as they retain the most moisture and flavor. This cut tends to be more forgiving and results in a juicier dish.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A 12-inch cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it holds high heat evenly, which is crucial for achieving a perfect sear on the pork chops.
- Consider Brining: Although optional, brining the pork chops for at least 30 minutes can enhance their moisture and tenderness, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful meal.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet (12 inch) – Ideal for achieving a good sear and for use in the oven.
- Stainless Steel Pan – An alternative to the cast iron skillet for those who prefer stainless steel.
- Tongs – Useful for flipping the pork chops and handling them safely.
- Mixing Bowls – Needed for preparing the brine and mixing the mushroom cream sauce.
