Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 4 people.
Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops (2–3 cm thick)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simple ingredients → restaurant-quality flavor.
Why Bone-In Pork Chops Work Best
You can use boneless, but bone-in chops are better because:
- More flavor
- Juicier meat
- Harder to overcook
- Beautiful presentation
The bone helps retain moisture during cooking.
Thick chops are key.
Thin chops dry out fast.
Aim for thick, juicy cuts.
Preparing the Pork Chops
Before cooking:
Pat chops dry with paper towel.
This helps create a perfect golden crust.
Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
Don’t be shy with seasoning.
Good seasoning = big flavor.
Let them sit 10 minutes at room temperature.
This helps cook evenly.
Searing the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil + butter in large skillet.
Medium-high heat.
When hot, add pork chops.
Don’t move them.
Let them sear 3–4 minutes.
This creates that beautiful golden crust.
Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes.
You want:
- Deep brown color
- Slight crisp edges
Remove and set aside.
They’ll finish cooking later in sauce.
Why Searing Is Important
This step isn’t just for looks.
Searing:
- Locks in juices
- Adds flavor
- Creates caramelization
- Builds tasty brown bits (fond)
Those brown bits = sauce flavor gold.
Never skip this step.
Making the Garlic Butter Base
In the same pan (don’t clean it):
Add butter.
Add garlic.
Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Not too long or garlic burns.
The smell here is insane 🤤
This forms the flavor base of the sauce.
Creating the Cream Sauce
Now add:
- Chicken broth
- Cream
Scrape bottom of pan to release all brown bits.
This adds tons of flavor.
Let simmer gently.
Then add:
- Parmesan
- Mustard (optional)
- Herbs
- Salt
- Pepper
Stir until smooth and thick.
Sauce should coat the spoon.
If too thick → add little broth
If too thin → simmer longer
Returning the Pork Chops
Place pork chops back into the sauce.
Spoon sauce over them.
Simmer 5–7 minutes on low heat.
This finishes cooking and infuses flavor.
Internal temp should be around 63°C (145°F).
Do not overcook or they get dry.
Low and slow is key.
Final Touches
Sprinkle fresh parsley.
Optional:
Extra parmesan on top.
Let rest 2–3 minutes.
Sauce thickens slightly.
Now it’s ready.
Get ready for that first bite 😍
Texture and Taste
Every bite gives you:
Outside:
Golden, slightly crisp crust
Inside:
Juicy, tender pork
Sauce:
Creamy, buttery, garlicky, savory
Flavor:
Rich, comforting, restaurant-style
It’s luxurious without being complicated.
Perfect comfort food.
Serving Ideas
This sauce is too good to waste.
Serve with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Pasta
- Bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Fries
- Salad
Trust me… you’ll want something to soak up that sauce.
Bread is mandatory 😄
Flavor Variations
Want to switch it up? Try these.
Mushroom version
Add sautéed mushrooms
Spinach
Add fresh spinach to sauce
Spicy
Add chili flakes
Lemon garlic
Add squeeze of lemon
Cajun style
Use Cajun seasoning
Mustard cream
Add more Dijon
Same base, endless twists.
Storage Tips
Fridge:
Up to 3–4 days
Freezer:
Up to 2 months
Reheat gently on stove with splash of milk or broth.
Microwave can dry meat.
Low heat is best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thin chops
Dry quickly
Skipping sear
Less flavor
High heat sauce
Cream splits
Overcooking pork
Tough meat
Too much salt early
Cheese already salty
Cook gently and taste as you go.
Why This Recipe Works
Here’s the science:
Sear → flavor crust
Butter → richness
Cream → smooth texture
Garlic → depth
Parmesan → umami
Simmer → tenderness
Everything combines into one perfect pan sauce.
Simple technique. Big results.
Final Thoughts
These creamy garlic herb pork chops are one of those meals that feel special without extra effort. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and drenched in a rich buttery sauce — it’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone silent at the table because they’re too busy eating