Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard and Thyme Pan Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops pan-fried to golden perfection, finished with a tangy mustard and fresh thyme sauce. This french-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends about 1 inch thick bone-in pork chops, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 French cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside to rest. Lower heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 smashed garlic cloves, and 3 fresh thyme sprigs to the pan.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, then pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return pork chops to the pan briefly to warm in the sauce before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard and Thyme Pan Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard and Thyme Pan Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard and Thyme Pan Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard and Thyme Pan Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard and Thyme Pan Sauce?

French pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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