Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops with Creamy Sauce

If you want a mouthwatering and indulgent dish, learn how to cook cast iron skillet pork chops with a creamy garlic sauce.

Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops

There’s nothing quite like biting into juicy and perfectly pan seared flavorful pork chops with a crispy crust, especially when smothered in a creamy garlic sauce bursting with flavor.

The combination of the tender pork chops, the richness of the cream sauce, and the savory notes of garlic create a meal that is satisfying.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, cast iron pork chops with creamy garlic sauce is a recipe you won’t resist repeatedly making.

This easy skillet pork chop recipe is flavorful and a time saver. It cooks in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect go-to option for a fast and delicious main dish.

Choosing Pork Chops

• Look for the right cut: There are several different cuts of pork chops, including rib chops, loin chops, and shoulder chops. Each cut has a slightly different flavor and texture. Rib chops are the most popular, with a good balance of fat and meat, making them flavorful and juicy.
• Choose the right thickness: The thickness of the pork chop can also affect the cooking time and texture. Thicker chops will take longer to cook but will be more tender and juicy. Thinner chops will cook more quickly but can become dry and tough if overcooked. Choose chops that are between 1/2 to 1 inch thick for the best balance of tenderness and cooking time.
• Consider the source: Consider where the pork chops are coming from. Look for meat that is labeled as “all-natural” or “organic,” as this indicates that the animals were raised without antibiotics or hormones. If possible, choose chops from a local farm or butcher, as this can ensure that the meat is fresh and of high quality.

Ingredients for Cast Iron Skillet Pork chops with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Gather these simple ingredients, heat your cast iron pan, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of perfectly seared and juicy pork chops with a creamy sauce.

Pork Chop Seasoning

• Pork Chops: The ideal cut for skillet pork chops is a bone-in chop that is at least 1 inch thick for maximum flavor and juiciness. Look for well-marbled chops with a pinkish color and minimal visible fat for the best results.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: To give the pork chops an extra kick of flavor, garlic powder and onion powder are sprinkled generously on both sides of the pork chops before cooking for an added flavor.
• Coconut Oil and Butter: Cooking pork chops in a cast iron skillet requires enough fat to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Combining these two fats can create a delicious and flavorful crust on the pork chops while keeping them moist and juicy.
• Salt and Pepper: These are the basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the pork chops. A good amount of salt and black pepper should be sprinkled on both sides of the pork chops before cooking.

Creamy Garlic Sauce

The creamy sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the pork chops. It’s rich, and flavorful, and adds an extra layer of decadence to the dish. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• Minced Garlic: Garlic adds a delicious and aromatic note to the sauce, infusing it with a savory flavor that complements the pork chops perfectly.
• Flour: As a thickening agent, the flour helps create a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful base for the sauce, the chicken broth adds depth and richness.
• Heavy Cream: The star ingredient, heavy cream is what gives the pan sauce its signature creaminess and richness
• Parsley for Garnish: Parsley is an optional ingredient for garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Kitchen Tools to Make Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops

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• Cast iron skillet: Cooking pork chops in a cast iron skillet is essential for achieving the perfect sear!
• Tongs: Tongs will make it easy to handle your pork chops as you cook them in the skillet.
• Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is used for checking the internal temperature of the meat and ensuring they are cooked to a safe temperature.
• Whisk: When making a creamy garlic sauce, a whisk can help to incorporate the ingredients fully—creating a smooth and evenly blended sauce.

How to Cook Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops

Pork chops are a delicious protein option that can be cooked in various ways to create a mouthwatering meal.

One of the most flavorful and indulgent ways to enjoy pork chops is by preparing them with a creamy garlic sauce.

Instructions and the full printable recipe card are at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Bring Pork Chops to Room Temperature

Before you begin cooking, bring your pork chops to room temperature. Taking them out of the refrigerator at least 15-30 minutes beforehand allows them to warm up and cook more evenly.

Room-temperature pork chops will also retain their juiciness better than if you cook them straight from the fridge.

Step 2: Make Pork Chop Seasoning

While the pork chops are coming to room temperature, prepare your seasoning. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make a dry rub.

Step 3: Pat Dry

Once the pork chops are at room temperature, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick better and ensure the pork chops sear properly.

Step 4: Season Pork Chops

Season both sides of the pork chops with the dry rub you prepared in Step 2. Make sure to rub the seasoning into the meat.

Step 5: Pan Fry the Pork Chops

Heat coconut oil and butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet in a single layer.

Turn the heat to low and sear pork chops until the first side turns golden brown. Flip it over and continue cooking until they are cooked through.

When done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

To prepare the sauce, lower the heat to medium or medium-low. In the same skillet, add minced garlic.

Stir occasionally and cook for approximately 1-2 minutes until the garlic has slightly browned on the outside, taking care not to burn it.

Next, sprinkle flour into the pan to thicken the sauce and let it cook for about 30 seconds.

Then add the chicken broth into the pan, stirring continuously and allowing the mixture to cook for around a minute until the sauce has begun to thicken.

Lastly, add the heavy cream to the pan and stir or whisk the sauce until the cream has fully blended.

If you find the sauce too thick for your liking, you can thin the sauce by adding a splash of heavy cream and stirring until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Step 7: Add the Pork Chops

Once the creamy sauce is ready, add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes. Keep the sauce bubbling gently, but avoid boiling the mixture as it may alter its texture.

Check the internal temperature with a instant-read thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked thoroughly.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, making sure that the temperature reads at least 145°F.

Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Spoon the creamy sauce over the top of the pork chop and garnish with the parsley or seasonings of your choice.

Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked creamy pork dish!

Cooking Tips for Cast Iron Pork Chops

1. Choose the right thickness: Look for pork chops at least 1/2 inch thick to ensure they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
2. Bring the pork chops to room temperature: Let the pork chops sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
3. Season generously: Season the pork chops before cooking. You can add other spices or herbs to the seasoning mix listed in the recipe, but I like to keep it simple.
4. Preheat the skillet: Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes before cooking pork chops in cast iron skillet. This ensures that the skillet is evenly heated.
5. Use the right oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point to prevent the skillet from smoking and burning. I prefer using refined coconut oil, but you can use vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil,
6. Add garlic carefully: When adding the minced garlic to the skillet to make the sauce, turn the heat down to medium-low to prevent burning.
7. Don’t overcook the pork chops: Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooking can result in tough, dry pork chops.
8. Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding more heavy cream.

How to Store Leftover Pork Chops

To store pork chops with creamy garlic sauce, first, let them cool down to room temperature.

Store: Transfer the pork chops and sauce to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheat: For the best results, reheat the pork chops in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated. You can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat,

What to Serve with Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops

There are plenty of side dishes that complement cast-iron skillet pork chops. Consider trying out these options for a well-rounded meal:

Vegetables: Consider pan-frying some asparagus or making a loaded cauliflower casserole in the oven while your pork chops cook on the stove.

Potatoes: You can make crispy pan-fried potatoes or try baking perfect sweet potatoes in the oven.

Other delicious options are old-fashioned potato salad, white cheddar mac and cheese, or creamy mashed potatoes with cream cheese.

More Delicious Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

You can cook a lot of tasty dishes using a skillet! Some of my favorite recipes include:

Blackened Chicken

Skillet Fajitas

Meatballs with Gravy

Fried Potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Better to Cook Bone-in or Boneless Pork Chops

Both bone-in and boneless chops can be cooked in a cast iron skillet. Bone-in chops are generally preferred by some cooks for their added flavor and juiciness.

What Pan is Best for Pork Chops?

A cast iron skillet is considered the best pan to use. They are ideal for pork chops because they are the easiest way to create a delicious crust on the outside. Yet, they are tender and juicy on the inside.

How Long to Cook Pork Chops in Cast Iron Skillet

As a general guideline, you can cook 1-inch-thick bone-in pork chops in a hot cast iron skillet for approximately 4-6 minutes per side.

The cooking time for pork chops in a cast iron skillet can vary depending on their thickness of the chops and whether they are boneless pork chops or bone-in.

At What Temperature Are Pork Chops Done?

Skillet pork chops are considered done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).

It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Printable Recipe | Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops with Creamy Sauce

This simple recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinner when you want something easy and delicious without a lot of fuss. We absolutely love it, and we hope that you do too!

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