Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
- Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until softened.
- Add the mushrooms and garlic and sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (fond).
- Stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the mushroom sauce over them.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the pork chops to absorb the flavors and heat through.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, and cook for another minute.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish the pork chops with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Success
- Pork Chops: For juicy pork chops, be sure to avoid overcooking them. Using a meat thermometer will help achieve the perfect doneness.
- Bacon Flavor: The bacon grease adds rich flavor, but you can substitute with butter or olive oil if you prefer.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water.
Variations
- Add Veggies: You can add other vegetables such as spinach or peas to the sauce for extra flavor and color.
- Wine: Replace the chicken broth with white wine for a more robust sauce flavor.
- Cheesy Pork Chops: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the pork chops and let it melt into the sauce for a cheesy twist.
Why You’ll Love Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce makes for a deliciously indulgent meal.
- Comforting: This dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this meal comes together quickly and looks impressive.
Enjoy your bacon mushroom pork chops! 🍖🍄🥓
