Smothered Ranch Pork Chops Recipe

Smothered Ranch Pork Chops is a kind of simple, stick-to-your-ribs dish that always hits the spot. It is the perfect recipe to make on a busy weeknight when you want to feel full and satisfied.

But what I love most about this recipe is that it uses just a few pantry staples and comes together in one skillet. And for me, any recipe that means fewer dishes is a keeper! However, the real reason I keep this recipe in my menu rotation is not only the ease but also the flavor of the dish.

First the pork chops get seared until golden and then smothered in a rich sauce made with chicken broth, cream cheese, and dry ranch mix. Then it’s served over egg noodles, which catch all that delicious creamy sauce, making every bite extra full of amazing flavor.

This meal comes together and is ready in only 30 minutes making it perfect when you don’t have much time to make dinner. However it is also flavorful enough that it makes a great meal for a special occasion.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a cozy dinner for two that doesn’t take much effort but delivers big on taste, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love These Smothered Ranch Pork Chops

As mentioned above, these pork chops are cooked in just one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. Everything from searing the pork to making the sauce happens right in the skillet.

And you are going to love the flavor of the sauce. It is creamy, tangy, and full of ranch flavor without being too overpowering.

Using a little bit of chive and onion cream cheese spread gives the sauce a light onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramelized onions cooked at the beginning. The dry ranch dressing mix adds a little more flavor and a bit of saltiness to the sauce. You don’t need a lot – just two teaspoons is enough to give the sauce a nice boost of flavor.

Best of all, there will be enough sauce leftover for spooning over the pork chops and noodles when serving.

The Best Pork Chops for This Recipe

Bone-in pork loin chops are best when making this Smothered Ranch Pork Chops recipe. The bone helps the meat cook more evenly and stay juicy, especially when simmered in a sauce.

Look for chops that are about 3/4-inch thick. Anything thicker will take longer to cook and can dry out if you’re not careful.

If you prefer boneless pork chops, you can use those instead. Just make sure they’re not too thin or they’ll cook too fast and may end up tough. Stick to boneless chops that are at least 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick.

Trim off any large pieces of fat before cooking, but don’t worry about being too precise as some fat around the edge helps keep the pork flavorful.

Cooking the Onion First Adds Flavor

However, before the pork chops go into the skillet, the onions get sautéed in a little butter until they’re golden and soft. This step only takes about 5 to 7 minutes but adds so much flavor to the final dish.

Once they’re tender, set them aside. You’ll add them back into the sauce later where they blend perfectly with the ranch and cream cheese.

How to Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

The sauce is what brings everything together. After cooking the pork chops, you’ll stir together chicken broth, chive and onion cream cheese spread, the cooked onions, and ranch seasoning mix right in the same skillet. Give it a few minutes to bubble and thicken up.

Once the sauce is ready, add the pork chops back into the skillet just long enough to heat through and get fully coated in all that ranch goodness. Removing the skillet from the heat and letting it stand for a few minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken just the right amount.

Smothered Ranch Pork Chops Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, halved and sliced (about 1 cup)
• 2 bone-in pork loin chops, 3/4-inch thick (about 1 lb), trimmed of fat
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
• 1/3 cup chive & onion cream cheese spread
• 2 teaspoons dry ranch dressing mix

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked egg noodles
• Chopped fresh chives (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion slices and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Remove onions from skillet and set aside.
2. Season pork chops with black pepper on both sides. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook an additional 3-5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove pork chops to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Add chicken broth, cream cheese spread, dry ranch mix, and the cooked onions to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until bubbly and slightly thickened.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Return the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 more minutes, spooning the sauce over them until well coated and heated through.
5. Remove from heat and let stand 4-5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken before serving.
6. Serve over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.

What to Serve with Smothered Ranch Pork Chops

This recipe calls for serving the pork chops over cooked egg noodles, which soak up the sauce beautifully. It’s a great choice because they’re quick to make and mild in flavor, so they don’t overpower the dish.

Other serving options that work well:

• Mashed potatoes
• White rice
• Steamed green beans or broccoli on the side
• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts

And if you like a little color or freshness on the plate, a sprinkle of chopped chives or diced green onions on top adds a nice touch.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork chops gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

This dish also reheats well as a packed lunch for the next day. Just make sure the pork is fully heated to a safe temperature before serving.

If you’re looking for another easy skillet dinner for two, try my Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin – it’s just as simple and flavorful.

Enjoy! Mary

Follow My Facebook Page For Great Recipes For Two! I Cook For Two Facebook Page

To receive FREE recipes delivered directly to your email, be sure to sign up for the iCookfortwo newsletter. A sign up form is located in the middle of this article. If you have any questions, comments, or want to submit an idea for a recipe for two, feel free to email at mary@icookfortwo.com