Cast iron pork chops are seared until golden, then spooned with a creamy mushroom pan sauce made with onion, garlic, and fresh herbs. This one-pan pork chop dinner uses bone-in pork chops and a rich skillet sauce for a dinner that feels a little extra without being hard to make.
Combine the meat seasoning mix in a small bowl. Rub the spices on the top and bottom of the pork chops and on the sides.
Add the butter, olive oil, and thyme to the pan and allow it to come to a sizzle
Sear the pork chops for 4 minutes top and bottom. Use 1 additional minute to sear the fatty sides. Take the meat out of the pan and allow it to rest.
For the Pan Sauce:
Add the onions to the skillet and allow them to become translucent.
Add the mushrooms, heavy cream and broth. Turn the pan down to medium low once the cream and broth start to boil (you’ll see some air bubbles in about 1 minute). Continue cooking the sauce on the lower temperature until it gets thicker.
Finish the sauce by adding salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer: Pork chops are done when they reach 145°F in the thickest part.
Start with a hot skillet: A properly heated cast iron skillet helps the pork chops brown well.
Use bone-in pork chops for this version: They stay juicier in the skillet and work especially well with the creamy sauce.
Check the package if you want pre-brined pork chops: Look for added water and salt in the ingredient list.
Do not crowd the pan: If your pork chops are large, cook them in batches so they can sear instead of steam.
Let the pork chops rest before serving: This helps the juices settle before you spoon the sauce over the top.
Simmer the sauce gently: Once the cream and broth are in the skillet, lower the heat so the sauce can thicken without reducing too fast.