Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard Herb Sauce
Juicy pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a tangy mustard and fresh herb sauce. This french-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends teaspoon salt, teaspoon black pepper, tablespoons olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 4 chops, about 1 inch thick bone-in pork chops
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 3: Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside to rest, tented with foil.
- Step 4: Lower heat to medium and add 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up browned bits for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Stir in 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves. Simmer sauce for 3 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
- Step 6: Return pork chops to skillet and spoon sauce over them for 1 minute to warm through before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard Herb 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-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard Herb 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-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard Herb 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-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard Herb 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-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard Herb 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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