Juicy Pork Chops with Creamy Bacon Pan Sauce Recipe

Juicy pork chops swimming in a velvety bacon pan sauce promise pure comfort on a plate.

Crispy bacon bits add unexpected crunch to each tender bite.

My grandmother’s secret was always letting meat rest before slicing.

Kitchen experiments lead to magical moments of flavor discovery.

Salt, pepper, and a splash of cream create culinary alchemy in mere minutes.

Skillet magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Let’s uncover how these pork chops can become your new weeknight dinner obsession.

Pork Chops with Bacon Cream Sauce That Feels Gourmet

• Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: This recipe transforms ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious dinners without complicated techniques.
• Flavor-Packed One-Skillet Wonder: By cooking bacon, searing meat, and creating a creamy sauce in the same pan, you'll minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor, reducing kitchen time and dish washing dramatically.
• Gourmet-Level Customization: Simple pantry ingredients like Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese elevate this dish from basic to impressive, allowing home cooks to create a sophisticated meal with minimal culinary expertise.
• Protein-Rich Crowd Pleaser: Tender pork chops combined with crispy bacon and a luxurious cream sauce make this recipe universally appealing, satisfying both picky eaters and sophisticated palates at the dinner table.

Creamy Bacon Pork Chops Ingredients

• Pork Chops: Tender cut of pork that becomes the main protein, best when thick-cut and boneless for even cooking.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish, choose high-quality thick-cut bacon for best results.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend that enhances the meat's natural flavors.
• Thyme: Provides earthy, subtle herb notes that complement the pork and bacon.

• Chicken Broth: Creates depth and liquid base for the sauce, helps deglaze the pan.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a rich, luxurious texture and smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy undertone and helps emulsify the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and sharp flavor to the pan sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial searing of the pork chops, helps create golden brown crust.

Pork Chops with Bacon Pan Sauce Prep Method

Step 1: Prep and Season Pork

Grab your pork chops and gently pat them completely dry using paper towels.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each chop gets an even, flavorful coating.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Pork

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place pork chops into the hot pan.

Let them dance and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

You’re aiming for perfectly cooked meat with an internal temperature of 145°F.

Once done, transfer chops to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon Bits

Using the same skillet, drop in diced bacon.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon transforms into crispy, crunchy morsels.

Fish out the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, leaving behind that liquid gold – bacon fat.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

Toss minced garlic into the bacon fat and swirl for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh thyme

Let the sauce simmer gently, thickening for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Reunite and Warm

Slide the pork chops and crispy bacon back into the skillet.

Lavishly spoon the creamy sauce over everything.

Allow everything to mingle and warm together for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve immediately, with an optional sprinkle of fresh thyme on top for extra elegance.

Pork Chops – Creamy Sauce Tips

• Choose bone-in or boneless chops with some marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor, ensuring juicy results every time.
• Pat pork chops completely dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust without steaming the meat in the skillet.
• Keep some bacon drippings in the pan for extra depth of flavor, but drain excess grease to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal pork temperature, aiming for 145°F for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chops without drying out the meat.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding more chicken broth if it becomes too dense during cooking.

Stash Leftover Bacon Pork Chops Safely

• Store leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow cooked pork chops and sauce to reach room temperature before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm pork chops in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover the skillet to prevent drying out and heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pork tough and sauce separate. Gentle stovetop reheating preserves the original texture and flavor of the dish.

Bacon Pan Sauce Pork Chop Complements

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the creamy bacon sauce, balancing the savory pork chops with its bright, acidic notes.
• Complement with Roasted Root Vegetables: Serve alongside honey-glazed carrots or rosemary-roasted parsnips to add a sweet and earthy dimension that enhances the dish's depth of flavor.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Use a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the luxurious pan sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor absorption.
• Enhance with Crisp Apple Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to the rich, creamy pork chops.

Pork Chops with Creamy Bacon Sauce Choices

• Lean Protein Alternative: Swap pork chops with chicken breasts for a lighter protein option. Follow the same seasoning and cooking method, adjusting cooking time to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt to reduce carbohydrates. Use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon for a healthier fat profile while maintaining rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a cheesy flavor profile. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace pork chops with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or tofu steaks. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Swap bacon with smoked coconut chips or tempeh bacon for a similar smoky flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Why should I pat the pork chops dry before seasoning?

Patting the pork chops dry helps create a perfect golden-brown crust when searing. Moisture prevents proper browning and can make the meat steam instead of sear, reducing the delicious crispy exterior.

• Can I use different types of bacon?

Absolutely! While regular bacon works great, you can experiment with thick-cut bacon, applewood smoked bacon, or even pancetta for slightly different flavor profiles. Just ensure the bacon gets crispy before making the sauce.

• What if my sauce is too thin?

If the sauce isn’t thickening, continue simmering on low heat. The Parmesan cheese and reduction process will help it become creamier. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to help thicken the sauce quickly.

• Is Dijon mustard necessary for the sauce?

Dijon mustard adds depth and tanginess to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with whole grain mustard or skip it entirely. The sauce will still be delicious with the remaining ingredients.

Pork Chops with Creamy Bacon Pan Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent pork chops with creamy bacon pan sauce elevate home cooking to gourmet heights. Rich, savory flavors blend seamlessly, promising a luxurious meal that satisfies deep culinary cravings you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
• 4 slices bacon, diced

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously dry the pork chops using clean kitchen towels, then generously coat both surfaces with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over robust medium-high temperature, carefully positioning the seasoned pork chops to achieve a golden-brown exterior through precise searing, approximately 3-4 minutes per side until reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Transfer the perfectly cooked chops to a waiting plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to render the diced bacon, cooking until achieving a delightful crispy texture. Extract the bacon fragments using a slotted utensil, preserving the rendered flavorful fat within the pan.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the residual bacon fat, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, thoroughly scraping the caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface.
5. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, incorporating heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme. Allow the mixture to harmonize and thicken over 3-4 minutes, creating a luxurious sauce.
6. Reintroduce the seared pork chops and crispy bacon into the creamy sauce, allowing them to warm through and absorb the rich flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Elegantly plate the pork chops, generously drizzling the decadent sauce and optionally garnishing with delicate thyme sprigs.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly seared pork chops by patting them completely dry before seasoning, which helps develop a golden-brown crust and prevents steaming.
• Prevent dry meat by monitoring internal temperature closely, using a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches exactly 145°F for juicy, tender results.
• Customize the sauce’s richness by adjusting cream and cheese quantities, creating a lighter version with half-and-half or a more decadent sauce with extra Parmesan.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb or keto-friendly meal by replacing Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard and ensuring all ingredients are sugar-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg