Introduction

Garlic Dijon Pork Chops bring together the rich, savory flavor of seared pork with the tangy, aromatic notes of Dijon mustard and fresh garlic. The sauce is creamy, zesty, and slightly sharp — a combination that coats each tender bite beautifully. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish delivers restaurant-level satisfaction with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. The creamy garlic Dijon sauce feels indulgent, but it’s made from everyday pantry ingredients. The pork chops stay juicy and tender, while the sauce infuses every bite with tangy, garlicky goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a chef in your own kitchen, yet it comes together quickly enough for a weeknight.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Garlic Dijon Pork Chops are a must-try because they show how easy it is to elevate pork into something truly special. The flavor combination of garlic and Dijon mustard is timeless — bold, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying. Plus, the sauce pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. If you love quick, creamy, and flavor-packed dinners, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: ~410 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: French-Inspired / American
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Dijon Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey (optional, to balance acidity)
1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
½ tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges

Simple Cooking Directions

Season and sear the pork chops until golden.
Make the creamy garlic Dijon sauce in the same skillet.
Return the pork chops to the pan and simmer until cooked through.
Garnish and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork Chops

Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Dijon Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add butter, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in flour and cook for another minute to create a roux.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Add Dijon mustard, thyme, and honey (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Return Pork Chops to Pan

Place the seared pork chops back into the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5–8 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C).

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Stir in lemon juice for a touch of brightness and adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Garlic Dijon Pork Chops hot, with a generous drizzle of sauce over each chop. This dish pairs beautifully with:

Mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice
Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
Buttered noodles or cauliflower mash
Crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce

For a full meal, pair with a crisp green salad or a light Chardonnay.

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the pork: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect tenderness.
Deglaze for flavor: Scrape up browned bits from the pan — they add depth to the sauce.
Adjust thickness: Add a splash of broth if the sauce gets too thick.
For extra richness: Stir in a tablespoon of sour cream at the end.
Add veggies: Sauté mushrooms or spinach into the sauce for extra texture and nutrients.

Variations

Herb Dijon Pork Chops: Add rosemary or tarragon for a fresh, herby flavor.
Honey Mustard Version: Increase the honey to 2 tablespoons for a sweeter glaze.
Garlic Dijon Chicken: Substitute boneless chicken breasts for pork chops.
Spicy Dijon Chops: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or mashed turnips.

Freezing and Storage

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Place cooked pork chops with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or cast-iron pan
Whisk
Meat thermometer
Tongs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes! Bone-in chops work great but may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Q2: What type of mustard works best?
Use Dijon mustard for its creamy, tangy profile. Avoid yellow mustard — it’s too sharp.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk instead of cream and olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Q4: How can I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer a few minutes longer or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

Q5: What sides go best with Garlic Dijon Pork Chops?
Mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, or roasted carrots are perfect companions.

Conclusion

Garlic Dijon Pork Chops are the perfect blend of comfort and elegance — a creamy, savory dish with a punch of tangy mustard and aromatic garlic that turns simple pork into a standout meal. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a dish that fits any occasion — from a casual dinner to a romantic date night. Each bite is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, making it a recipe worth repeating again and again.