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Creamy Smothered Keto Pork Chops - Comfort Food With Big Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Pat the pork chops dry: Use paper towels to remove surface moisture. Dry chops sear better and stay juicy.
  2. Season generously: Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub evenly over both sides of the chops.
  3. Sear the chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chops and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden-brown. Transfer to a plate; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and onions to the same skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. These bits add deep flavor to the sauce.
  6. Build the sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Dijon, and thyme. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle in Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. The sauce should be silky and lightly thickened.
  8. Return the chops: Nestle the pork chops into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3–6 minutes, spooning sauce over the top, until the chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
  9. Rest and garnish: Turn off the heat. Let the chops rest in the pan 3 minutes to reabsorb juices. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.