Unlock the Ultimate Keto Creamy Pork Chops Recipe – Easy, Low-Carb & Irresistibly Delicious!

Pork chops are a versatile and family-friendly option for a quick and satisfying meal. This keto creamy pork chops recipe elevates the humble pork chop with a rich and flavorful sauce, all while keeping the carb count low. This article will guide you through creating this delectable dish, exploring ingredient options, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions.

Why Choose Keto Pork Chops?

For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and flavorful meals can sometimes be a challenge. These creamy low-carb pork chops are an excellent choice because they are packed with flavor and healthy fats, while remaining low in carbohydrates. This helps keep your body in a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal while simultaneously supporting your weight loss goals!

Ingredients for Keto Creamy Pork Chops

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available ingredients. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:

Pork Chops

Boneless Pork Loin Chops: 4 thick-cut, about 5-6 ounces each. Boneless chops cook faster and are easier to find, but bone-in chops can also be used, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Seasoning: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Butter: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for sautéing.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for searing pork chops. Extra-virgin olive oil is a great option for searing.
Onion: Chopped, to add savory depth to the sauce.
Garlic: 4 cloves minced, for a pungent and aromatic flavor.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach, to add nutrients and color.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup, the base for the creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese: To add richness and thickness to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated, to enhance the flavor and thicken the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor.
Chicken Bone Broth: ½ cup, adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Beef broth can be substituted.
Dry White Wine: Optional, to deglaze the pan and add complexity to the sauce. Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Riesling are good low-carb options. Zero-carb whiskey or brandy can also be used.
Basil: Fresh basil, for an herbaceous note.
Lemon: Optional, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the sauce.
Xanthan Gum or Almond Flour: Optional, for thickening the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to make these delicious keto creamy pork chops:

Preparing the Pork Chops

Season the Pork Chops: Generously season the pork chops on all sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
Rest the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside to rest, covering them to keep warm.

Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using, pour in the dry white wine (or whiskey/brandy) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken bone broth and heavy cream.
Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Add Flavor: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic powder, and other desired seasonings. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your liking. If needed, use xanthan gum or almond flour to thicken the sauce.
Incorporate Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Return Pork Chops to Sauce: Reduce heat to low and return the pork chops to the pan. Simmer for a few minutes, until the pork chops are heated through and coated in the sauce.

Alternative cooking method

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and get out a cast-iron skillet.
Sear the pork chops: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet on medium-high. When the skillet and oil are hot, add the pork chops and sear until they become golden, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops to a dish and cover.
Garlic butter: Turn the heat down to medium and melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and stir with a spatula or spoon for 30 seconds or so to let in infuse in the butter. Add the pork chops back into the skillet and place it in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees. It depends on the thickness of the chop but for a thick cut should be 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and place the pork chops in a covered dish.
Creamy Garlic Keto Gravy: Place the chicken bone broth, egg, cream cheese, heavy cream, and thyme in a blender. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds or until the mixture is smooth and combined. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the garlic butter and any pork chop drippings. Heat on medium stirring constantly until the gravy begins to thicken, 4-5 minutes. Return the pork chops to the skillet and warm for a couple of minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Pork Chops

Use a Meat Thermometer: This is crucial for ensuring the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) without overcooking them.
Don't Overcook the Pork Chops: Overcooked pork chops can be dry and tough. Searing them properly and then finishing them in the sauce helps keep them moist and tender.
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is not thick enough, you can use a small amount of xanthan gum or almond flour. Be careful not to add too much xanthan gum, as it can quickly thicken the sauce too much.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and spinach will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Tenderizing Pork Chops: For thicker cuts, tenderize them with a meat mallet to break down muscle fibers for a more tender result.

Serving Suggestions

These keto creamy pork chops are delicious on their own, but they can be paired with various side dishes to create a complete meal.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Cauliflower Rice: A classic keto-friendly side dish that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Steamed Broccoli: A simple and nutritious side that adds a pop of color and fiber to the meal.
Roasted Green Beans: Another excellent low-carb vegetable option.
Salad: A fresh salad with a keto-friendly dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork chops.
Italian Antipasto Brussels Sprouts Salad: A more elaborate salad with flavorful Italian ingredients.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts for pork chops.
Mushrooms: Add sliced baby bella mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone in the sauce.
Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Herbs: Use different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano in the sauce.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover keto creamy pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, but it will thin out slightly when reheated.

To reheat, gently warm the pork chops and sauce in a skillet over low heat, or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information

These creamy low-carb pork chops are a great way to keep your body in the state of ketosis. A serving of these smothered pork chops boasts only 7 grams of carbs.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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