Pan-Roasted Pork Chops with Mustard Cream Sauce and Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops pan-roasted to a golden crust and finished with a tangy mustard cream sauce infused with fresh thyme. This french-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, salt, 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 480 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 French cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 bone-in pork chops dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove pork chops from skillet and cover loosely with foil to rest.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 small finely chopped shallot to the same skillet; sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, return pork chops to the pan briefly to warm in the sauce, then serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Pork Chops with Mustard Cream Sauce and Thyme 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-Roasted Pork Chops with Mustard Cream Sauce and Thyme?

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-Roasted Pork Chops with Mustard Cream Sauce and Thyme?

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-Roasted Pork Chops with Mustard Cream Sauce and Thyme 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-Roasted Pork Chops with Mustard Cream Sauce and Thyme?

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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