If you have been craving a comforting, rich, and easy-to-make dinner, then this Saucy Pork Chops Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy pork chops bathed in a luscious, tangy sauce, layered with tender, sweet onions that melt in your mouth with every bite. This dish is a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that come together effortlessly, making it perfect for a family weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a classic crowd-pleaser that people keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a key role in turning these pork chops into a deeply flavorful meal with the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. No fancy ingredients are necessary—just pantry staples and fresh produce working in delicious harmony.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Used to sauté the onions and brown the pork chops, adding rich flavor and preventing sticking.
- 1 large onion (sliced): Provides sweetness and a tender texture that compliments the pork perfectly.
- 6 boneless pork chops: The star of the dish, ideally about ¾ inch thick for juicy, tender results.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the meat and sauce.
- 2 10-oz cans cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy base of the sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- ½ cup ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and balances the creaminess with a subtle tomato flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a complex umami depth, boosting the overall richness of the sauce.
How to Make Saucy Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice your onion into rings about a quarter to a half inch thick—think about the size of classic onion rings. Add the slices to the pan and let them sauté for approximately 12 minutes, flipping halfway through so they become golden and tender without browning too much. These sweet onions create an irresistible base layer of flavor for the pork chops.
Step 2: Brown the Pork Chops
Once your onions are done, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Turn up the heat to medium-high, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and season your pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the hot skillet and brown each side for just a couple of minutes. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful caramelized crust that makes the pork so tasty.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the chops are browning, mix together the cream of chicken soup, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. This simple sauce brings the perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and savoriness that turns plain pork chops into something truly special.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
After browning, place one onion ring on top of each pork chop in the skillet. Then, evenly pour the soup mixture over the chops and onions. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and let everything cook together for about 30 minutes. The gentle cooking melds all the flavors, and the pork chops become tender and juicy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and perfect doneness.
Step 5: Crock Pot Alternative
If you prefer a hands-off approach, after browning your pork chops, transfer them to a crock pot. Layer the onions on top, pour the prepared sauce over everything, cover, and cook on high for approximately 4 hours. This slow-cooking method lets the flavors develop beautifully and guarantees incredibly tender pork chops every time.
How to Serve Saucy Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving. Not only does this add a lovely pop of green color, but it also introduces a fresh herbal note that brightens the richness of the sauce beautifully. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add some sheen and subtle richness as well.
Side Dishes
This Saucy Pork Chops Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up that decadent sauce like a dream. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a simple buttery rice pilaf. The sauce is the real star, so sides that can absorb it and balance the richness will round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, plate the pork chop with the sauce spooned generously over the top, garnished with onions and herbs. You can also arrange multiple chops overlapping slightly on a long platter for a family-style meal, giving everyone easy access to that irresistible sauce. Using a white or neutral-colored plate helps highlight the vibrant colors of the sauce and onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare because this dish is so good), transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly overnight and the flavors to meld even more, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.
Freezing
To freeze, place the pork chops and plenty of sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the pork chops. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Reheat until the pork reaches a safe temperature and the sauce is heated through.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this Saucy Pork Chops Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops add extra flavor and tend to stay juicier. Just increase the simmering time a bit to ensure they are cooked through to the right temperature.
Is cream of chicken soup necessary or can I substitute it?
Cream of chicken soup gives this recipe its creamy texture and depth of flavor. You could use cream of mushroom soup as an alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and Worcestershire sauce to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? Can I skip it?
You can omit it, though it does add a wonderful umami dimension. If you have soy sauce or tamari, those can be used as substitutes in a pinch.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?
The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which guarantees the pork is safely cooked and perfectly juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Saucy Pork Chops Recipe is a fabulous way to bring homey, down-to-earth flavors to your dinner table without any fuss or fancy ingredients. It’s comforting, easy, and downright delicious—making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Give it a try and savor every bite of those tender pork chops slathered in that dreamy sauce. You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Saucy Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Saucy Pork Chops are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pork chops cooked in a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and sautéed onions. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner served alongside mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
- 6 boneless pork chops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 (10-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion rings and sauté for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through until the onions are soft and lightly caramelized. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown Pork Chops: Increase heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. Place pork chops in the skillet and brown on each side for about 2 minutes until nicely seared.
- Prepare Sauce: While pork chops brown, in a medium bowl combine the cream of chicken soup, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Simmer Pork Chops in Sauce: Once the pork chops are browned, place one onion ring on top of each chop in the skillet. Pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the onions and pork chops. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Crock Pot Option: After browning the pork chops and sautéing onions as above, transfer the chops to a crock pot, top with the onions, pour the sauce over everything, and cook on high for about 4 hours until tender and fully cooked.
Notes
- For best flavor, use boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Alternatively, this dish can be prepared entirely in a crock pot after browning the meat and sautéing onions on the stovetop.
