Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Creamy Thyme Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Season the pork: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Sear the chops: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
- Return the pork: Place the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for about 5–8 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme and parsley. Let the pork rest for about 3 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these creamy thyme pork chops with:
- Roasted potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Buttered noodles
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots or broccoli
Tip: Don’t boil the cream sauce aggressively, as it can become too thick or separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer for a smooth, velvety sauce.
Conclusion
These Creamy Thyme Pork Chops are the perfect combination of tender, juicy pork and a rich, savory cream sauce infused with garlic, thyme, and Parmesan. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough for a special meal. Serve them with roasted potatoes, vegetables, or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. One skillet, simple ingredients, and incredible flavor!