Keto Smothered Pork Chops: The Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food Dinner

Embark on a culinary journey with this exceptional recipe for Keto Smothered Pork Chops, a dish that redefines low-carb dining without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. This recipe masterfully combines perfectly pan-seared pork chops, enveloped in an irresistibly creamy mushroom and garlic sauce, and studded with crispy, savory bacon. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into a profoundly delicious, yet easy-to-make, low-carb entrée that will undoubtedly impress everyone at your table. Forget bland diet food; this is comfort food elevated, designed for those who seek rich, hearty meals while adhering to a ketogenic, gluten-free, or high-protein lifestyle.

🥩 Why These Keto Smothered Pork Chops Are a Must-Try

This isn’t just another keto recipe; it’s a culinary experience meticulously crafted to deliver maximum flavor with minimal carbs. Here’s what makes these smothered pork chops truly stand out:

• Unrivaled Flavor and Keto-Friendly Profile: Dive into a dish that’s impressively delicious, packed with robust flavors, yet remarkably low in carbohydrates. Each serving boasts only 8g total carbs (7g net carbs) and a substantial 45g of protein, making it an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing lean, carb-conscious protein intake. It’s a welcome change from the usual chicken dishes, offering a rich and satisfying alternative that fits perfectly into your keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet. The combination of succulent pork, a velvety mushroom garlic sauce thickened with heavy cream and cream cheese, and fragrant fresh herbs creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your palate.
• Simplicity Meets Sophistication: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute. The process involves searing boneless or bone-in pork chops in flavorful bacon fat, then creating a luxurious, creamy sauce right in the same pan. This one-pan approach not only minimizes cleanup but also maximizes the depth of flavor by utilizing all the delicious fond left from the pork and bacon. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for a special occasion.
• A Hearty Meal for Everyone: While specifically tailored for those on a dairy-friendly low-carb or ketogenic diet, the sheer deliciousness of these smothered pork chops makes them a hit with everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. The creamy texture and rich savory notes ensure that even carb-lovers will be asking for seconds.
• Versatile Pairing Options: These smothered pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of keto-friendly side dishes. Imagine serving them alongside fluffy Cheesy Keto Green Beans, a comforting Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, light and refreshing zucchini noodles, or creamy mashed cauliflower. For a touch of green, vibrant Instant Pot asparagus or a simple garden salad dressed with a keto vinaigrette would be perfect. Each of these options not only complements the rich flavors of the pork chops but also adds visual appeal to your meal.

👩🏼‍🍳 Chef’s Tips for Perfect Keto Smothered Pork Chops

Achieving restaurant-quality results at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Choose the Right Pork Chops: The thickness of your pork chops is crucial for optimal results. Aim for chops that are between ¾-inch and 1-inch thick. Thinner chops risk drying out and overcooking quickly, while thicker cuts will require longer cooking times. We’ve used boneless pork chops in this recipe, but bone-in chops work equally well and can often impart more flavor. If your pork chops are unevenly thick, a quick pound with a meat tenderizer or a rolling pin will help them cook uniformly, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender. Even cooking prevents some parts from being overdone while others are still undercooked.
• Temper Your Dairy for a Silky Sauce: To prevent your rich mushroom cream sauce from curdling or separating, it’s vital to ensure that your heavy cream and cream cheese are at, or very close to, room temperature before adding them to the skillet. The sudden temperature difference between cold dairy and a hot pan can cause an undesirable reaction. Remove the skillet from the heat for a moment before incorporating the dairy ingredients. This allows for a gentle integration, resulting in a smooth, velvety, and luxurious sauce that perfectly coats your pork chops.
• Don’t Skimp on the Sear: A proper sear is key to developing incredible flavor and a beautiful golden-brown crust on your pork chops. Ensure your cast iron skillet is hot enough (but not smoking) before adding the chops. The rich bacon fat you render from cooking the bacon first is the perfect medium for searing, adding an extra layer of smoky depth to the pork. Resist the urge to move the chops too early; let them develop that delicious crust for 4-6 minutes per side.
• Rest Your Meat: After baking, transfer the cooked pork chops to a plate and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your chops remain incredibly moist and tender when sliced. Skipping this step can result in dry, less flavorful pork.
• Deglaze for Maximum Flavor: After searing the pork chops, don’t discard the browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pan. These are concentrated bursts of flavor! When you add the chicken broth to the skillet for the sauce, make sure to scrape up all these delicious bits. This process, known as deglazing, adds incredible depth and complexity to your mushroom cream sauce, forming the flavorful foundation.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Remember that salt and pepper amounts are often suggestions. Taste your sauce as you go and adjust seasonings as needed. Freshly cracked black pepper provides a superior flavor to pre-ground pepper, and a good quality salt can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more fresh herbs at the end for an extra aromatic boost.

🧈 More Keto Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking to expand your low-carb recipe repertoire, here are some other fantastic keto-friendly dishes from our kitchen that you’re sure to enjoy:

• Keto Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Baked Keto Empanadas
• Keto Tacos with Homemade Keto Tortillas
• Cheesy Keto Green Beans
• Keto Big Macs
• Keto Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
• Chick-fil-A Style Keto Chicken Nuggets (with Keto Chick-fil-A Sauce)
• Perfect Keto Lemon Curd (4 Ingredients)
• Keto Gumbo
• CSC-Style Keto Chicken Salad
• Sausage & Egg Keto Breakfast Casserole
• Keto Chicken Pot Pie

Keto Smothered Pork Chops

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Pan-seared pork chops served in a rich, creamy mushroom garlic sauce with crispy bacon.

Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

• 4 medium bone-in pork chops (approximately 6 ounces each, ¾-1 inch thick)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Mushroom Cream Sauce

• 5 strips bacon, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
• 1 medium leek, chopped (approximately 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 2 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme

Equipment

• Oven
• Cutting board
• Large plate
• Paper towels
• Large cast iron skillet (or similar oven-safe skillet)
• Tongs
• Slotted spoon
• Internal meat thermometer
• Potholder
• Silicone spatula or large wooden spoon

Instructions

For the Pork Chops and Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit (200°C). Place the 4 medium bone-in pork chops on a cutting board and generously season all sides of each pork chop with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
2. Line a large plate with 2 to 3 layers of paper towels and set aside. This will be used to drain the cooked bacon.
3. Place a large cast-iron skillet on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is warm, add the 5 strips of chopped bacon to the skillet. Fry the bacon for 6 to 7 minutes, or until it becomes crispy but not burnt, flipping as needed to ensure even cooking.
4. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to the plate lined with paper towels. Set the plate aside. Do not drain the skillet; leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
5. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet with the bacon fat. Sear the pork chops for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.
6. Transfer the skillet with the seared pork chops to the preheated oven. Bake the pork chops for 8 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 140° to 142° Fahrenheit (60-61°C) when measured with an internal meat thermometer inserted next to the bone.
7. Using a potholder or other protective hand covering, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the pork chops to a clean plate and set them aside to rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist pork.

For the Mushroom Cream Sauce

1. Return the skillet to the stovetop and set the heat to medium. Add the 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms and 1 medium chopped leek to the pan. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the mushrooms and leeks have softened and released their moisture.
2. Once softened, add 1 tablespoon of salted butter and 3-4 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet. Stir to incorporate these ingredients, then sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the butter is melted and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits of food (fond) that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step adds immense flavor to your sauce.
4. Once the skillet is deglazed, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Gently pour ½ cup of room-temperature heavy cream into the skillet and stir thoroughly to incorporate.
5. When the cream is fully incorporated, return the skillet to medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it has slightly reduced and thickened.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat once more and let it cool slightly. Add 2 ounces of softened full-fat cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, and ½ teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese begins to melt and combines into the sauce.
7. Once the cream cheese starts to melt, return the skillet to the heat. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly integrated into the sauce.
8. Simmer the mixture for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reached your desired thickened consistency.

To Serve

1. Return the cooked bacon bits to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine. Then, carefully place the rested pork chops back into the skillet. Flip the pork chops 2 to 3 times to ensure they are fully coated in the luxurious mushroom cream sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the top of each pork chop.
2. Continue to cook the pork chops in the sauce over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145° Fahrenheit (63°C).
3. Transfer the keto smothered pork chops to individual serving plates and serve immediately with your desired keto-friendly side dishes. Enjoy every rich and satisfying bite!

Notes

• Pork Chops: While bone-in pork chops are recommended for flavor, boneless pork chops will also work beautifully. Just be aware that boneless cuts typically cook faster, so you may need to adjust your searing and baking times accordingly to prevent overcooking.
• Cream Cheese: For the best results and to maintain the keto profile, use a full-fat cream cheese without any added sugars. Look for brands with the lowest carb count available. Philadelphia Original cream cheese is often a reliable and excellent choice found in most grocery stores.
• Make it Lower Carb: If you are looking to further reduce the carbohydrate content, you can easily omit the leek from the mushroom cream sauce. For an even stricter low-carb approach, you can choose to omit both the leek and the mushrooms, creating a simpler but still delicious creamy bacon sauce.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 539kcal | Protein: 34g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Total Carbs: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Net Carbs: 7g | Vitamin C: 5mg | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 417mg | Potassium: 765mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 2mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

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