These creamy Cajun pork chops are full of flavor! Juicy, tender pork chops are cooked in a delicious Cajun cream sauce that has just the right amount of spice.
Who knew dinner could be so easy and tasty? I love serving these with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s always a hit at my table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are perfect here, but you can swap them for bone-in chops or even chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought Cajun seasoning is convenient. If you want to make your own, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper. A bit of creativity goes a long way!
Heavy Cream: This is key for a creamy sauce, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute. Just note that it might alter the richness.
Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth is always great, but low-sodium store-bought broth works just as well. Use veggie broth for a completely different but tasty flavor!
Butter: I love using butter for the flavor, but you can substitute with ghee or a neutral oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. It’ll change the taste slightly but still delicious!
How Do You Get the Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Achieving a great sear is crucial for delicious pork chops. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your pork chops are at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice, golden crust.
- Heat your skillet until very hot before adding oil. Then, let the oil shimmer before adding the chops.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This ensures a perfect sear instead of steaming the meat.
- Let the chops sear undisturbed for several minutes before flipping. This allows that golden crust to form.
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops every time!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and around 15 minutes cooking, so plan for about 25 minutes from start to finish. Easy and quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps get a nice sear! Next, generously season both sides of the chops with the Cajun seasoning, along with salt and pepper. This will pack in a lot of flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it gets hot and shimmery. Carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet, searing them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through (you want an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C). Once done, take the pork chops out of the skillet and place them on a plate to rest.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for around 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This adds incredible flavor!
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Next, pour in the chicken broth. Stir well and scrape up any tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Don’t waste those; they add lots of flavor!
5. Create the Creamy Mixture:
Now, stir in the heavy cream, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Let this simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens up a bit. Stir it occasionally!
6. Combine and Simmer:
Carefully return the pork chops back to the skillet. Spoon some of that delicious sauce over the chops and let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together nicely.
7. Serve & Garnish:
When you’re ready to eat, garnish your creamy Cajun pork chops with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve them hot!
8. Enjoy!
These creamy Cajun pork chops are perfect with some rice, mashed potatoes, or nice crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work just as well. Just keep in mind that they may take a few extra minutes to cook through, so check for that same internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can whip up your own Cajun seasoning with common spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne or black pepper. Adjust to your taste for mild or spicy!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just note that the flavor will be different but can still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.