Skillet Pork Chops With Mushroom Gravy
There's something special about a warm, comforting skillet dinner that brings everyone together. For me, it's all about the smoky flavors of pork and bacon, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, velvety mushroom gravy. This skillet pork chops recipe is a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family - the aroma of sizzling bacon and pork chops filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn't wait to dig in. The combination of tender, juicy pork chops and the deep, earthy flavor of the mushroom gravy was a hit. Since then, it's become a regular in our dinner rotation.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's easy to make, and the best part is that it's made with ingredients you can find in most supermarkets. The key to a great skillet pork chops dish is to cook the pork chops low and slow, allowing the fat to render and the meat to become tender and juicy.
In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of pork chops, bacon, mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful gravy to create a dish that's both comforting and delicious. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- The combination of pork chops, bacon, and mushroom gravy is a classic comfort food combination
- The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
- The recipe is flexible and can be made with a variety of different types of pork chops and mushrooms
- The gravy is rich and flavorful, making it a great accompaniment to the pork chops
- The dish is comforting and satisfying, making it a great choice for a cold winter's night
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to a great skillet pork chops dish is in the cooking technique. By cooking the pork chops low and slow, we allow the fat to render and the meat to become tender and juicy. The addition of bacon and mushrooms adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the pork perfectly.
The key to a great gravy is to use a combination of the pan drippings and a roux made from flour and butter. This helps to thicken the gravy and add a rich, velvety texture. By cooking the gravy low and slow, we allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken to perfection.
Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of a thermometer to ensure that the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature. This is especially important when cooking pork, as it can be prone to foodborne illness if not cooked properly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making a great skillet pork chops dish, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. For this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including pork chops, bacon, mushrooms, and a variety of spices and seasonings.
One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the pork chops. Look for thick, juicy chops with a good amount of marbling, as this will help to keep the meat tender and flavorful. You'll also need some bacon, which will add a smoky, savory flavor to the dish.
- 4 pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thickLook for thick, juicy chops with a good amount of marbling, as this will help to keep the meat tender and flavorful. You can use either boneless or bone-in pork chops, depending on your preference.
- 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesThe bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish, and helps to render the fat from the pork chops. You can use either regular or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference.
- 2 cups of mixed mushrooms, slicedThe mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish, and help to thicken the gravy. You can use a variety of different types of mushrooms, including button, cremini, and shiitake.
- 2 tablespoons of butterThe butter helps to thicken the gravy and add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flourThe flour helps to thicken the gravy and add a smooth, velvety texture to the dish. You can use either all-purpose or whole wheat flour, depending on your preference.
- 1 cup of chicken brothThe chicken broth helps to add moisture to the dish and create a rich, flavorful gravy. You can use either low-sodium or regular chicken broth, depending on your preference.
- 1/2 cup of heavy creamThe heavy cream helps to add a rich, creamy texture to the gravy and balance out the flavors in the dish. You can use either heavy cream or half-and-half, depending on your preference.
- 1 teaspoon of dried thymeThe thyme adds a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the pork chops and gravy. You can use either fresh or dried thyme, depending on your preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon of saltThe salt helps to bring out the flavors in the dish and add a touch of savory flavor to the pork chops and gravy. You can use either kosher or sea salt, depending on your preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepperThe pepper helps to add a touch of spice to the dish and balance out the flavors in the pork chops and gravy. You can use either black or white pepper, depending on your preference.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Skillet Pork Chops With Mushroom Gravy
- 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and thyme, making sure to coat them evenly.
- 3Heat the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking until crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
- 4Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- 5Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Then, add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- 6Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- 7Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine with the gravy.
- 8Add the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of the gravy over the top of each chop.
- 9Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- 10Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- 11Serve the pork chops with the mushroom gravy spooned over the top, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the pork chops, as this can affect the evenness of the cooking.
- Use a thermometer to ensure that the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Don't stir the gravy too much, as this can cause it to become too thick and sticky.
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms and herbs to find the combination that you enjoy the most.
- Consider serving the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to round out the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not cooking the pork chops to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
- Overcrowding the skillet, which can affect the evenness of the cooking and lead to tough or overcooked pork chops.
- Not letting the pork chops rest before serving, which can cause the meat to become tough and dry.
- Stirring the gravy too much, which can cause it to become too thick and sticky.
- Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops, which can lead to undercooked or overcooked meat.
- Not seasoning the pork chops evenly, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Try using different types of pork chops, such as boneless or bone-in, to see which one you prefer.
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, to find the combination that you enjoy the most.
- Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
- Use different types of herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
- Try serving the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to round out the meal.
- Consider adding some red wine or beef broth to the gravy for added depth of flavor.
What to Serve With Skillet Pork Chops With Mushroom Gravy
This skillet pork chops dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The rich, flavorful gravy is also delicious served over egg noodles or rice.
Consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the mushrooms for added flavor and texture. You could also try serving the pork chops with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This skillet pork chops dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, let the dish cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.
When reheating the dish, make sure to heat it until it's hot and steaming, and the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C). You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the dish if it becomes too thick or dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pork chops should I use for this recipe?
You can use either boneless or bone-in pork chops, depending on your preference. Look for thick, juicy chops with a good amount of marbling, as this will help to keep the meat tender and flavorful.
How do I know when the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature?
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. To refrigerate, let the dish cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What type of mushrooms should I use for this recipe?
You can use a variety of different types of mushrooms, including button, cremini, and shiitake. Look for mushrooms that are fresh and have a good texture, as this will help to add flavor and texture to the dish.
Can I serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes?
Yes, this dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The rich, flavorful gravy is also delicious served over egg noodles or rice.
How do I reheat the dish if it becomes too thick or dry?
You can add a little bit of water or broth to the dish if it becomes too thick or dry. You can also reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop, making sure to heat it until it's hot and steaming, and the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C).
Can I use different types of herbs or spices to add flavor to the dish?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of herbs and spices to add flavor to the dish. Some options include rosemary, sage, or thyme, which can add a unique and delicious flavor to the pork chops and gravy.
How do I prevent the pork chops from becoming tough or overcooked?
To prevent the pork chops from becoming tough or overcooked, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet and cook them until they reach a safe internal temperature. You can also let them rest for a few minutes before serving, which will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.

Ingredients
- 4 pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thick
- 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups of mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and thyme, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Heat the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking until crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Then, add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine with the gravy.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of the gravy over the top of each chop.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve the pork chops with the mushroom gravy spooned over the top, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.