Boneless Pork Chops with Creamy Chive Pan Sauce

Boneless Pork Chops with Creamy Chive Pan Sauce

Get ready to add a new delicious and easy weeknight dinner option into your regular rotation – these Boneless Pork Chops with Creamy Chive Pan Sauce! I've created this simple one-pan recipe just for busy moms like you who are short on time but don't want to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. In just 30 minutes, you can have tender, juicy pork chops smothered in a luscious creamy pan sauce bursting with the bright flavor of chives.

Here’s another quick and easy weeknight meal you can have on the table in less than 30 minutes. This super tasty recipe is really easy to prepare and with just 5 main ingredients, it’s easy on the wallet, too.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

8 4-oz. boneless pork chops

½ c. chicken broth, preferably organic

6 oz. cream cheese, cut into small pieces

3 T. fresh chives, finely chopped

Optional:

Salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season pork chops on each side with salt and pepper, if desired, and add to pre-heated skillet. Brown pork chops on each side, approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove pork chops from pan and set aside on a rimmed dish to collect juices.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add chicken broth and cream cheese to the skillet. Gently scrape bottom of pan to loosen brown bits and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Add juices from the plate holding the pork chops to the skillet. Stir to combine liquids, then add pork chops. Cook for 1-2 additional minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chopped chives.
5. Transfer the pork chops to individual serving plates and top with creamy pan sauce. Garnish with additional chives, if desired, and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Variations:

1. Herb Choices: While chives give a mild onion-like flavor, feel free to experiment with other herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley for a different taste profile.
2. Sauce Variations: For a tangier sauce, add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a richer sauce, a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a dash of paprika can add depth.
3. Vegetarian Adaptation: Offer a vegetarian variant using large portobello mushrooms in place of pork chops, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
4. Cheese Options: While cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture, you might suggest trying blue cheese or goat cheese for a bolder flavor. 

Check out our Instant Pot Thai Chicken Thighs

Storage

Let's chat about how you can enjoy these delicious pork chops even after the dinner party is over. To keep those leftovers tasting fresh, pop them into an airtight container and slide them into your refrigerator. They'll stay scrumptious for about 3-4 days. Thinking of freezing them? Absolutely, you can! Just remember, when you reheat them, the texture might be slightly different – but still utterly delicious.

Now, about reheating – to keep all those wonderful flavors and textures intact, I recommend using your oven or stovetop on a low heat. Microwaves can be a bit harsh and might not do justice to your lovely meal. So, take a little extra time to warm them up gently, and you'll be rewarded with a meal that's almost as good as when it was first made. Enjoy every last bite!

I've got some extra tidbits to elevate your pork chop experience.

To start, I can't emphasize enough the wonder of letting your pork chops rest at room temperature before they hit the pan. This small step ensures even cooking and maximum juiciness. And when you sear them, you're not just aiming for that beautiful golden color – you're creating a crust packed with deep, irresistible flavor.

Now, let's talk health. These pork chops are already a fantastic choice, but if you're looking to trim a few calories, consider using a lighter cream cheese alternative or increasing the broth ratio for a thinner sauce. Every little bit helps, and you won't sacrifice taste!

And for those of you looking to elevate this dish with a lovely glass of wine, a crisp Chardonnay or a smooth Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and savory chops. The wine's notes will complement the dish's richness and bring out the subtle flavors of the chives.

There you have it, friends! With these little tweaks and tips, you're not just making dinner; you're crafting an experience. Enjoy!