Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard-Herb Pan Sauce

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

Tender pork chops pan-fried to a golden crust and finished with a tangy pan sauce of Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and a splash of white wine. This french-inspired pork ready in about 23 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 8 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 French cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 bone-in pork chops evenly on both sides with 1 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering, then add pork chops. Sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms, then flip and cook another 4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Whisk in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1/3 cup dry white wine. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon sauce over them to rewarm for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 23 minutes (8 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard-Herb 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-Herb Pan Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Herb 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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