These French Onion Pork Chops are juicy and packed with flavor! Tender pork is topped with rich, caramelized onions and melted cheese for a warm and comforting meal.
I love how this dish makes a regular weeknight feel special. Plus, who can resist that cheesy onion goodness? It’s like a hug on a plate! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops provide great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, you can use boneless chops or even chicken breasts for a lighter option.
Yellow Onions: These are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. You can substitute with sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a different flavor.
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter version, chicken broth works well too. In a pinch, water can suffice, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Dried Thyme: Fresh thyme is my favorite for its brighter flavor. You can also swap for other herbs like rosemary or Italian seasoning, depending on your taste!
How Do I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions is key to achieving that delicious, sweet flavor in this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat and a good amount of fat (butter or oil). This helps the onions cook evenly.
- Add a pinch of salt to draw out moisture. This keeps them from burning and helps them caramelize.
- Stir occasionally, allowing those lovely brown bits to form. This can take about 20-25 minutes, so be patient!
Pro Tip: If they start to stick too much, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan. It helps combine those flavors!
Delicious French Onion Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional; can substitute with extra broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Estimated Time:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-40 minutes to cook. So, you can expect to have a delicious dinner ready in about an hour! Perfect for a cozy evening at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by generously seasoning your pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. This helps to bring out the flavors!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet (a cast iron one works great!), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops. Sear them for about 4 minutes on each side until they turn a nice golden brown. Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. After it melts, toss in the sliced onions. Cook these onions, stirring often, for about 20-25 minutes until they are caramelized and golden brown. Don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of salt to help them release their moisture!
4. Add Garlic and Thyme:
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth, and if you’re using it, the dry white wine. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard too. Stir everything well and scrape any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These bits add so much flavor!
6. Return the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops back in the skillet, spooning some of the onion mixture and sauce over them.
7. Simmer to Perfection:
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the pork chops simmer in the sauce for about 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, you can increase the heat to medium-high to let the sauce reduce slightly if needed. Finally, serve the pork chops topped with those gorgeous caramelized onions and sauce, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bit of color!
Enjoy your hearty, savory French Onion Pork Chops! They’re sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Aim for about 6-8 minutes per side for medium-high heat, checking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No worries! You can simply substitute the white wine with an equal amount of beef broth for a similar depth of flavor. It will still be delicious without the wine!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Dish in the Oven?
Yes! After searing the pork chops and caramelizing the onions, you can transfer everything to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) before serving!
