There is something special about a meal that brings people together, and these French Onion Pork Chops do just that. Juicy, seared pork chops smothered in a rich, caramelized onion sauce and topped with melty provolone cheese make this dish perfect for hosting family and friends.
Whether you are preparing a cozy meal or entertaining guests, this recipe makes it easy to bring people together over a comforting, homemade dish.
Why You Will Want to Make French Onion Pork Chops
- Simple and Delicious: The recipe uses easy steps and pantry-friendly ingredients.
- One Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easier cleanup.
- Deep, Rich Flavor: Caramelized onions and melted cheese create a comforting dish. If you enjoy recipes with similar flavors, you might also love this comforting twist in Cheesy French Onion Soup Chicken Casserole.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Great for feeding family and friends without stress. For more ideas on effortless hosting, check out Easy Casual Dinner Party Menu Ideas.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish and turn it low when done, cooking in the oven. Just before you are ready to serve, add the cheese and broil so it gets all warm and melty.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Yellow Onions: Choose firm onions with papery skins and slice them into half-moon shapes for even cooking. They provide the signature sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the pork.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor. It is used alongside butter to balance the caramelization process.
- Beef Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to better control seasoning. It provides a deep, savory base for the sauce. Shelf-stable options are available in cans or cartons. If you’re out of beef broth, try one of these 25 Easy Substitutes For Beef Broth In A Slow Cooker.
- Boneless Pork Chops: Look for chops that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick for the best texture and juiciness. They are the star of the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying base. Bone-in pork chops can be used as substitutes with adjusted cooking times.
- Herbs: You will need dried thyme and garlic powder.
- All-Purpose Flour: The flour helps thicken the sauce to create a rich creamy sauce. Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative. Or explore this handy guide on Rescue: How To Thicken Sauces In A Slow Cooker.
- Provolone Cheese: Purchase pre-sliced for convenience. It melts into a creamy layer on top of the pork chops.
Before You Get Started
Ingredient Prep
Slice the onions into even half-moon shapes for uniform caramelization.
Pat the pork chops dry before seasoning to ensure a golden sear.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Skipping the thickening step will result in a watery sauce. Stir consistently until it reaches a rich, velvety consistency.
Not caramelizing onions long enough can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Take the time to let them develop a deep golden color.
Overcrowding the pan may prevent a good sear. Cook pork chops in batches if needed.
How to Make French Onion Pork Chops
This recipe is simple, yet the results are impressive! Follow these steps:
Caramelize Onions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for three to five minutes until softened. Pour in four tablespoons of beef broth and cook on low for ten to twelve minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and tender. Transfer onions to a plate and set aside without cleaning the skillet.
Season & Sear Pork Chops
Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Reduce heat to medium and add a little more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sear pork chops for three to four minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce
Return onions to the skillet, sprinkle with flour, and stir to coat. Cook for one minute, then add the remaining one cup of beef broth. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to boil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble and Bake
Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Top each chop with one slice of provolone cheese. Add fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Bake for eight to ten minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Spoon some of the onion sauce over the cheese before serving. Garnish with black pepper or extra thyme if desired.
Gina’s Recipe Tips and Variations
- For deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
- For ultra-tender pork chops, cover the pan with foil when baking in the oven, turn down the heat to 300 degrees, and cook for 30 minutes. Then uncover and add your cheese and broil for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the flour with xanthan gum or a little cornstarch and beef broth mixed together. You might also enjoy this Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe as a low-carb side.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked pork chops and sauce in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Leftovers: Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes for best results. Or you could warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Note that you will need to add a little beef broth if the sauce seems thick.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
“Biblical hospitality doesn’t start with a guest list. It starts with a willing heart.” – Intentional Hospitality
French Onion Pork Chops may be a simple dish, but genuine hospitality is about more than just food. It’s about welcoming others with an open heart. Jesus often shared meals to minister to others, reminding us that the table is a place for connection and love.
Next time you prepare this dish, consider inviting someone new to your table: a neighbor, a friend in need of encouragement, or even someone from your church family. Sometimes, the simplest invitation can make the most significant difference.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
I hope this recipe helps you create memorable moments around your table! If you loved it, please leave a comment below and share your experience.
👉 Who will you invite to your table this week? Let me know in the comments!
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Skillet Smothered French Onion Pork Chops
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 2 yellow onions, peeled, halved, and sliced into half-moon shapes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14.5 ounces beef broth, divided
- 4 pork chops, boneless, 1–1½ inches thick
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh thyme sprigs, optional for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
Caramelize Onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.3 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add sliced onions and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.2 yellow onions
- Pour in 4 Tbsp of beef stock and cook on low for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and tender.14.5 ounces beef broth
- Transfer onions to a plate and set aside (do not clean the skillet).
Season Pork Chops
- Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel.4 pork chops
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Sear Pork Chops
- Reduce heat to medium, add a little more olive oil to the skillet if needed.
- Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer pork chops to a plate and set aside.
Make Sauce
- Return onions to the skillet. Sprinkle with flour and stir to coat.2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Cook for 1 minute, then add the remaining 1 cup of beef stock.
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to boil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble & Bake
- Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
- Top each chop with 1 slice of provolone cheese and about ¼ cup shredded Gruyere.4 slices provolone cheese
- Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the skillet (optional).Fresh thyme sprigs
Bake
- Place skillet in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Spoon some of the onion sauce over the cheese before serving. Garnish with black pepper or extra thyme if desired.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
- For ultra-tender pork chops, cover the pan with foil when baking in the oven, turn down the heat to 300 degrees, and cook for 30 minutes. Then uncover and add your cheese and broil for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the flour with xanthan gum or a little cornstarch and beef broth mixed together.