Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops is an easy weeknight dinner combining tender, juicy pork chops smothered in a comforting and amazing creamy skillet gravy made with a can of soup, perfect for serving on top of mashed potatoes.

In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a scrumptious meal on the table that your whole family will love. The combination of tender pork and rich and savory mushroom sauce creates a comforting dish that can easily become a household favorite. 

Plus, with minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a great go-to option for a home-cooked meal without too much fuss.

Need a tasty side dish? Try this recipe for Roasted Zucchini and Mushrooms.

Why You’ll Love Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

• A quick and easy dinner recipe. Creating a flavorful and mouthwatering meal requires only minutes of active prep time. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. You can have everything on the dinner table in just over an hour.
• Versatility. You can customize this easy recipe according to your preferences, using different cuts of pork, such as bone-in or boneless chops, and adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste buds. Everyone loves this family favorite.
• An irresistibly rich and velvety creamy mushroom gravy. The secret lies in using condensed cream of mushroom soup, which lends a creamy and smooth texture to the dish. Combined with added flavors from garlic and onion, this sauce will have you savoring every last bite.

Ingredients

Brine

• Water: Ensures the pork chops are juicy and tender.
• Table salt: Contributes to the flavorful brine.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy note to the brine.
• Brown sugar: Brings a hint of sweetness to the brine.

Pork Chops

• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps brown the pork chops evenly.
• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in): The star of the dish.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
• Pepper: Adds a kick of spice to the pork chops.

Cream of Mushroom Sauce

• Brown mushrooms: Provide an earthy depth to the sauce.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Acts as the base for the creamy sauce.
• Milk: Helps create the perfect consistency for the sauce.
• Garlic powder: Adds a touch of garlicky goodness.
• Onion powder: Complements the garlic powder in the sauce.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

PS: If you love creamy mushroom dishes, try this Creamy Garlic Mushrooms recipe. It’s a great side with these pork chops or steak dinner.

How to Make Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

• Step One: Add the brine ingredients to a large zip-top bag or bowl. Stir to dissolve the salt and brown sugar. Place your pork chops in the brine, ensuring they’re completely covered. Allow them to brine for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Step Two: Once the brining is complete, remove your pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of your pork chops with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Sear each side for 4 minutes, and after that, remove the pork chops to a plate and set aside.

• Step Three: Add the sliced mushrooms to the same skillet and sauté for 4 minutes over medium heat. Proceed by adding the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything well to create a delicious sauce.
• Step Four: Return your pork chops and any juices on the plate to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the pork chop reads 145℉.
• Step Five: If you like, garnish your dish with parsley before serving it hot. 

Equipment Needed

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• Large skillet
• Wooden spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Instant-read meat thermometer

What to Serve with Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich sauce and tender pork chops. You can stick to classic mashed potatoes or add garlic or cheese for extra flavor.
• Rice or pasta: Easy to cook and fill, rice and pasta serve as a great base to soak up the delicious cream sauce. You might want to consider using egg noodles, wild rice, or brown rice to add variety to your dish.
• Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or asparagus all make for great options to serve alongside your cream of mushroom pork chops. Simply steam, roast, or sauté your vegetables with garlic and a touch of butter or olive oil for a tasty and healthy side.

Garnishing

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary on your finished dish. These herbs add color and a subtle, earthy flavor to the cream sauce.
• Sautéed mushrooms: As you’ve used mushrooms in your cream sauce, add some extra sautéed mushrooms on top of your pork chops for an added layer of flavor and texture. You can use the same type of mushrooms or try a different variety to create a more complex taste.
• Cracked black pepper: A simple yet effective garnish, cracked black pepper adds a slightly spicy kick and contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. Just a sprinkle will do!

Variations and Substitutions

• For a leaner option, try chicken breasts or turkey cutlets. 
• If you’re in the mood for beef, thinly sliced sirloin or beef tenderloin will complement the creamy mushroom sauce nicely. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different meats may require different cook times.
• While button and brown mushrooms are common and easily accessible, you might also want to experiment with more flavorful varieties like cremini, shitake, or portobello mushrooms. Mixing and matching different types of mushrooms can also add unique flavors and textures to your dish. 
• Use chopped onions and fresh garlic instead of onion and garlic powder.

Storage Instructions

After cooking, let the pork chops cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. Be sure to store them in the refrigerator within 2 hours of preparation. Your pork chops should last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge when properly stored.

Reheating is simple and can be done in various ways. If you have stored your pork chops in the refrigerator, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the pork chops in a baking dish with liquid like chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and heat for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

To reheat using a microwave, place the pork chops in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat at 50% power for 2 minutes, then check the temperature. Continue heating at 50% power in 1-minute intervals until the pork chops reach the desired temperature.

Can I Freeze?

Yes, you can freeze Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops! Freezing is a great way to have a delicious and convenient meal to reheat later. To freeze, follow these simple steps:

1. First, ensure your pork chops are thoroughly cooked and the creamy mushroom sauce has cooled to room temperature.
2. place the pork chops and sauce into an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag once cooled. Make sure you seal it well to keep out any air, as exposure to air can cause freezer burn and affect the taste and texture of your dish.
3. Label the container or bag with the contents and the date so you remember what’s inside and how long it’s been stored. It’s best to consume frozen Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops within 2 to 3 months for optimal taste and texture.
4. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen meal, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.

You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven when reheating your Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops. Whichever method you choose, always ensure the dish is heated through and reaches a safe internal temperature to ensure food safety.

Do You Really Need to Brine Your Pork Chops?

Brining your pork chops can enhance their flavor, juiciness, and tenderness. But is it always necessary?

Brining can be quite useful if you have particularly thick cuts of pork, such as bone-in pork chops. It helps tenderize the meat and retain its moisture during cooking. You can brine your chops for a few hours to reap the benefits without dealing with mushy or overly chewy meat¹.

However, if you’re short on time or prefer not to, rest assured that your pork chops can still taste delicious without brining. 

A few things to keep in mind if you decide not to brine your pork chops:

• Ensure your pork chops are at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.
• Preheat your skillet or grill properly to achieve that perfect sear and crust.
• Keep an eye on the internal temperature to prevent overcooking—the ideal temperature for pork chops is 145 degrees F.
• Allow the cooked pork chops to rest before slicing or serving. This helps to lock in the juices and keeps your pork tender and moist.

Boneless vs. Bone-In Pork Chops

Boneless Pork Chops are popular for their convenience and ease of preparation. With no bones, they require less cooking time, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, without any bones to navigate around, cutting and eating your delicious cream of mushroom pork chops is a breeze.

On the other hand, Bone-In Pork Chops offer a few benefits that might make you reconsider. The bone adds richness to the flavor of the meat, and it can also help retain moisture during cooking. With the right preparation, bone-in pork chops can be even more tender and juicy than their boneless counterparts. If you want to try bone-in pork chops, be aware that the cooking time might be slightly longer than boneless chops.

In terms of price, there isn’t a significant difference between boneless and bone-in pork chops, so the choice ultimately comes down to your preference and cooking style.