Simple Braised Pork Chops

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/29/23
Tested by
Carrie Parente
Carrie Parente
Tested by Carrie Parente
Carrie is a freelance food stylist and culinary producer who loves having a table full of guests.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Braised pork chops topped with onions and gravy on a platter

The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 65 mins
Total: 75 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
455 Calories
24g Fat
16g Carbs
41g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 455
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 24g 31%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 133mg 44%
Sodium 428mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 41g
Vitamin C 4mg 20%
Calcium 69mg 5%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 701mg 15%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Often we pan sear pork chops, or even bake pork chops. But these simple braised pork chops are flavored with a combination of Dijon mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. 

Pork chops on the bone offer the most flavor, but boneless chops or meaty country-style ribs are excellent alternatives. 

These pork chops are delicious with mashed potatoes, but macaroni and cheese or a rice side dish would be good, as well. Add steamed broccoli or a tossed salad for a satisfying family meal.

“These pork chops are truly simple. They are super easy to prepare with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This will make your kitchen smell great and your guests happy. Serve with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal." —Carrie Parente

Simple Braised Pork Chops/Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 4 (1 1/2-inch thick) bone-in, center-cut pork chops

  • Kosher salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 cup diced onions

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather ingredients.

    Ingredients for simple braised pork chops recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

  2. Sprinkle the pork generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.

    Chicken broth and condiments mixed together in a small bowl

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

  4. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the pork and cook until golden on both sides, flipping half way through cooking time, about 6 minutes total. Remove to a plate.

    Onions frying in a skillet and being stirred with a wooden spoon

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

  5. Lower the heat to medium. Add the onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and lightly browned.

    Pork chops in the skillet, onions being pushed to the side

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

  6. Add the garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

    Garlic sprinkled on top of pork chops in the skillet

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

  7. Nestle the pork into the onion-garlic mixture.

    onions and pork chops in the skillet

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  8. Give the chicken broth mixture a swirl. Pour over the pork and lower the heat to low. Cover the pan tightly and cook until the pork chops are tender, 45 to 60 minutes.

    Browned braised pork chops topped with onion in a skillet

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

Tips

  • If you prefer to use the oven, use an oven-safe skillet or transfer the pork chops to a baking pan; cover with a lid or tightly with foil. Braise the pork chops in a preheated 325 F oven for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until tender.
  • If you are looking for a faster dish, take a look at these quick and easy oven roasted pork chops.