Ultimate Keto Smothered Pork Chops: Creamy, Low-Carb Comfort Food Perfection

Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this incredible recipe for Keto Smothered Pork Chops. This dish seamlessly combines tender, perfectly pan-seared pork chops with an irresistibly creamy, rich mushroom garlic sauce and the savory crunch of crispy bacon. It’s a simple, easy-to-make, and deliciously low-carb entrée that promises to be a hit with everyone at your table, even those not strictly following a keto diet. Get ready for a flavorful journey that delivers comfort without compromising your health goals.

Keto smothered pork chops in a cast iron skillet with a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. — Golden-brown keto smothered pork chops nestled in a luscious, creamy mushroom garlic sauce, ready to serve.

🥩 Why This Keto Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is a Must-Try

Unmatched Flavor and Low-Carb Excellence: These keto smothered pork chops are an impressively delicious entrée that’s incredibly low in carbs but extraordinarily high in flavor. The recipe is straightforward, focusing on quality ingredients: boneless or bone-in pork chops, seared to perfection in rendered bacon fat, then enveloped in a luxurious, creamy mushroom garlic sauce. This sauce is expertly thickened with heavy cream and rich cream cheese, and brightened with fresh herbs, creating a symphony of savory tastes that will leave you wanting more.
Perfect for Various Dietary Needs: While this recipe is a dairy lover’s dream, it’s an excellent choice if you’re committed to a low-carb, ketogenic, or gluten-free lifestyle. It’s also fantastic for anyone actively focusing on increasing their protein intake. Boasting only 8g total carbs (a mere 7g net carbs) and an impressive 45g of protein per serving, this dish provides a lean, satisfying, and nearly carbless protein option. It offers a welcome and flavorful alternative to the usual chicken, making it perfect for breaking out of a meal rut.
Incredibly Versatile for Pairing: Smothered pork chops are wonderfully adaptable and pair beautifully with a wide variety of keto-friendly side dishes. Classic choices like steamed zucchini noodles or creamy mashed cauliflower always make for a great combination, soaking up every last drop of that delectable sauce. For more vibrant and visually appealing options, consider Cheesy Keto Green Beans, a hearty Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, or quick and easy Instant Pot Asparagus. These sides not only complement the rich flavors of the pork chops but also help create a balanced and fulfilling meal.

👩🏼‍🍳 Chef’s Essential Tips for Perfect Pork Chops

Achieving restaurant-quality keto smothered pork chops at home is easier than you think, especially with these pro tips:

Choose and Prepare Your Pork Chops Wisely: The ideal thickness for your pork chops is between ¾-inch and 1-inch. Chops thinner than ¾-inch are prone to drying out and overcooking very quickly, resulting in a less tender outcome. Thicker chops will simply require a longer cooking time, so be prepared to adjust. While we’ve used bone-in pork chops for added flavor and moisture, boneless chops work just as well, though they may cook slightly faster. If your pork chops have an uneven thickness, a common issue, take a moment to pound them with a meat tenderizer or even a rolling pin until they are uniformly thick. This crucial step ensures that all your pork chops cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
Mastering the Cream Sauce (Avoiding Curdling): The secret to a perfectly smooth, luscious sauce is temperature control. To prevent the heavy cream and cream cheese from curdling or separating, it is vital to ensure these dairy ingredients are at (or very close to) room temperature before adding them to the skillet. Furthermore, remove the skillet from the heat entirely before incorporating them into the other ingredients. A drastic temperature difference between cold dairy and a hot pan can cause the proteins to seize up and curdle, leading to an undesirably grainy sauce. Allowing the skillet to cool slightly and using room-temperature dairy ensures a velvety smooth finish.
Don’t Skip the Bacon Fat: The rendered bacon fat isn’t just a cooking medium; it’s a foundational flavor enhancer for this entire dish. It provides a rich, savory base for searing the pork chops, infusing them with an incredible depth of flavor. It also carries over beautifully into the mushroom cream sauce, contributing to its overall deliciousness.
Deglazing for Maximum Flavor: After searing your pork chops, you’ll notice browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet – this is called fond, and it’s pure flavor! When you add the chicken broth, make sure to scrape up all these delicious bits with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. This process, known as deglazing, adds another layer of richness and complexity to your mushroom cream sauce.
Rest Your Pork Chops: Once cooked, it’s essential to transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender, succulent chop. Skipping this step can lead to dry pork.

Two keto smothered pork chops on a plate, drenched in creamy mushroom garlic sauce with crispy bacon bits. — A close-up of the beautifully seared pork chops, generously coated in the rich, herb-infused creamy sauce.

🍽️ Perfect Keto Sides to Serve with Smothered Pork Chops

Choosing the right side dish can truly elevate your Keto Smothered Pork Chops meal. Here are some fantastic low-carb options that complement the rich, creamy flavors:

Mashed Cauliflower: A classic keto staple, mashed cauliflower is the perfect substitute for mashed potatoes. Its creamy texture and mild flavor provide an excellent canvas for soaking up the delicious mushroom garlic sauce.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Light and refreshing, zucchini noodles offer a healthy and low-carb alternative to pasta. They absorb the sauce beautifully without adding unnecessary carbohydrates.
Roasted Asparagus: Simple and elegant, roasted asparagus brings a slight bitterness that cuts through the richness of the sauce, offering a delightful balance. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before roasting adds even more flavor.
Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic: Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and a touch of butter are a quick and easy side that offers a satisfying crunch and vibrant color. You can also try our Cheesy Keto Green Beans for an extra indulgence.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Rice: A mix of steamed or sautéed broccoli and cauliflower rice can provide a hearty, nutrient-dense base for your pork chops, ensuring you get plenty of fiber and vitamins. Consider a Keto Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole for a more substantial side.
Simple Green Salad: Sometimes, all you need is a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy main dish.

🧈 More Incredible Keto Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re enjoying the delicious and satisfying world of keto cooking, here are more low-carb recipes from our kitchen that we think you’ll absolutely adore. Expand your ketogenic repertoire with these flavorful options:

Keto Spaghetti and Meatballs: A comforting classic, reinvented the keto way.
Baked Keto Empanadas: Savory pockets of flavor, perfect for a snack or light meal.
Keto Tacos with Homemade Keto Tortillas: Taco night just got a whole lot healthier and more delicious.
Cheesy Keto Green Beans: A simple yet indulgent vegetable side.
Keto Big Macs: Enjoy your favorite fast-food flavors without the carbs.
Keto Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole: A hearty and cheesy side dish for any meal.
Chick-fil-A Style Keto Chicken Nuggets (with Keto Chick-fil-A Sauce): Crispy, juicy, and perfectly keto-friendly.
Perfect Keto Lemon Curd (4 Ingredients): A bright and zesty dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Keto Gumbo: A rich and spicy Southern classic, adapted for keto.
CSC-Style Keto Chicken Salad: A fresh and flavorful chicken salad for any occasion.
Sausage & Egg Keto Breakfast Casserole: Start your day right with this satisfying keto breakfast.
Keto Chicken Pot Pie: Comfort food at its finest, made keto.

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Keto Smothered Pork Chops

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

30 minutes

Total:

45 minutes

Tender, pan-seared pork chops served in an incredibly rich and creamy mushroom garlic sauce, topped with crispy bacon.

Cheryl Malik

Cheryl Malik

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4
servings

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

▢

4
medium
bone-in pork chops
approximately 6 ounces each, ¾-1 inch thick (or boneless, adjusted cooking time)
▢

salt
to taste
▢

freshly cracked black pepper
to taste

For the Mushroom Cream Sauce

▢

5
strips
bacon
chopped into ½-inch pieces
▢

8
ounces
cremini (baby bella) mushrooms
cleaned and sliced or chopped
▢

1
medium
leek
white and light green parts only, thoroughly cleaned and chopped (approx. 1 cup)
▢

1
tablespoon
salted butter
▢

3-4
cloves
garlic
minced or pressed
▢

½
cup
low-sodium chicken broth
▢

½
cup
heavy cream
at room temperature for best results
▢

2
ounces
full-fat cream cheese
softened, for smooth incorporation
▢

1
teaspoon
finely chopped fresh parsley
for fresh flavor and garnish
▢

½
teaspoon
finely chopped fresh thyme
complements the savory notes

Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

Oven
Cutting board
Large plate
Paper towels
Large cast iron skillet
or similar oven-safe heavy-bottomed skillet
Tongs
Slotted spoon
Internal meat thermometer
Potholder
Silicone spatula
or large wooden spoon for deglazing

Instructions

For the Pork Chops and Bacon

Preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit (200°C). Lay the 4 medium bone-in pork chops on a clean cutting board and generously season all sides of each chop with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Ensure a good coating for maximum flavor.
Line a large plate with 2 to 3 layers of paper towels. This will be used to drain the crispy bacon. Set the plate aside.
Place a large cast-iron skillet (or other oven-safe skillet) on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is warm and shimmering slightly, add the 5 strips of chopped bacon to the skillet. Fry the bacon for 6 to 7 minutes, or until it is deliciously crispy and golden brown, but not burnt. Stir and flip the bacon as needed to ensure even cooking.
Once the bacon has reached your desired crispiness, use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the cooked bacon bits to the plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Set this plate aside. **Important:** Do not drain the skillet; the rendered bacon fat is essential for searing the pork chops and building the sauce’s flavor.
Place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet, ensuring they are in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear the pork chops for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This crust is key for locking in flavor and moisture. Flip each pork chop over and sear the other side for another 4 to 6 minutes until also golden.
Carefully transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven. Bake the pork chops for approximately 8 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 140° to 142° Fahrenheit (60-61°C) when measured with an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop, next to the bone (if applicable).
Using a potholder or oven mitt, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Be mindful that the skillet handle will remain very hot throughout the remainder of the recipe. Transfer the partially cooked pork chops to a clean plate and set them aside to rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender results.

For the Mushroom Cream Sauce

Return the skillet to the stovetop and set the heat to medium. Add the 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms and 1 medium chopped leek to the pan. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden brown and the leeks have softened and become translucent.
Once the vegetables are softened, add 1 tablespoon of salted butter and the 3-4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well to incorporate the butter and garlic with the mushrooms and leeks. Sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the butter is fully melted and the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Pour ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Stir vigorously to incorporate, making sure to scrape up any browned bits of food (fond) that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will enrich your sauce.
Once the skillet has been thoroughly deglazed, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly for a minute or two. This step is crucial for preventing the cream from curdling. Pour ½ cup of room-temperature heavy cream into the skillet and gently stir until it is fully incorporated into the mushroom and leek mixture.
When the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce looks uniform, return the skillet to the heat and increase the setting to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly reduced and thickened.
Remove the skillet from the heat once more and let it cool slightly. Add 2 ounces of softened full-fat cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, and ½ teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme. Stir continuously until the cream cheese begins to melt and blends into the sauce, creating a rich and smooth consistency.
Once the cream cheese has started to melt, return the skillet to very low heat. Continue stirring gently until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is perfectly smooth and velvety.
Simmer the mushroom cream sauce for an additional 3 to 4 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it has reached your desired thickened consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

To Serve

Return the cooked bacon bits to the skillet with the mushroom cream sauce and stir to incorporate. Then, carefully place the rested pork chops back into the skillet, nestled into the sauce. Flip the pork chops 2 to 3 times to ensure they are thoroughly coated and warmed through by the creamy sauce. Spoon extra mushroom cream sauce generously over the top of each pork chop.
Continue to cook the pork chops in the sauce over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145° Fahrenheit (63°C), indicating they are perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Transfer the keto smothered pork chops to individual serving plates, spooning plenty of the rich sauce over each one. Serve immediately with your desired keto-friendly side dishes for a truly satisfying meal.

Notes for Success and Customization

Pork Chops: While bone-in pork chops were used here for their added flavor and juiciness, boneless pork chops will also work beautifully in this recipe. Just be aware that boneless chops tend to cook faster, so you’ll need to adjust your searing and baking times accordingly to prevent them from drying out.
Cream Cheese Selection: For the best keto results and a smooth sauce, always use a full-fat cream cheese that contains no added sugars and has the lowest possible carbohydrate count. In many grocery stores, Philadelphia Original cream cheese has proven to be an excellent and reliable option that fits these criteria.
Making it Even Lower Carb: If you’re aiming for an even stricter low-carb intake, you can easily modify this recipe. Simply omit the leek. For the absolute lowest carb count possible, you can choose to omit both the leek and the mushrooms, though this will change the flavor profile slightly. The sauce will still be wonderfully creamy and delicious!
Storage and Reheating: Leftover Keto Smothered Pork Chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Adding Vegetables to the Sauce: For extra nutrients and flavor, feel free to add a handful of fresh spinach or kale to the sauce in the last few minutes of simmering, allowing it to wilt into the creamy mixture.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.