French Onion Pork Chops Recipe

Looking for a hearty and flavorful dinner idea? This French Onion Pork Chops recipe combines tender, seared pork chops with a rich, caramelized onion and mushroom sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Featuring bone-in pork chops, Gruyere cheese, and a touch of white wine, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies for a complete meal. Learn how to make these juicy pork chops with French onion sauce step-by-step!

Ingredients

Pork Chops

• 4 pork chops (center cut, bone-in)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 slices of Gruyere or Swiss cheese (optional)

French Onion Sauce

• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/4-inch rings
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 8 oz. button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

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Instructions

For the Pork Chops

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Pork Chops: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge them in flour.
3. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each pork chop for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the pork chops to a baking sheet and set aside.

For the French Onion Sauce

1. Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and toss them in the butter. Stir occasionally and cook for 45–60 minutes until they are deeply caramelized.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the white wine, scraping the skillet with a silicone spatula to deglaze the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the onions and stir for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the mushrooms and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly while baking the pork chops.

Combine and Serve

1. Bake the Pork Chops: Bake the pork chops in the oven for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked (145°F/63°C internal temperature).
2. Assemble the Dish: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon the sauce generously over them, and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Optional Cheese Topping: Top each pork chop with a slice of cheese and let it melt in the oven or cover the skillet with foil. Serve hot!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Comforting: The caramelized onions and mushrooms create a deeply flavorful sauce.
• Elegant yet Easy: This dish looks gourmet but is simple enough for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: Add cheese for extra indulgence or skip it for a lighter meal.

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Tips

• Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and tenderness.
• Allow the onions enough time to caramelize; they are key to the sauce’s depth of flavor.
• Deglaze the pan thoroughly to incorporate all the delicious browned bits into the sauce.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Replace Gruyere with mozzarella or provolone for a different flavor.
• Wine Substitute: Use apple cider vinegar or extra chicken broth if you don’t have white wine.
• Herbs: Swap thyme with rosemary or parsley for a different herbal note.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.

Q: How do I know when the pork is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared ahead and reheated when ready to serve with freshly cooked pork chops.

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve French Onion Pork Chops with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce.
• Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Crusty bread to mop up every drop of the sauce.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with your favorite glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea!