Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Carolyn

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These easy smothered pork chops are topped with a rich and creamy bacon onion gravy. They are hands down the best keto pork chops you will ever eat and so simple to make. I stand by that statement!

Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (1)

Okay, people. Run, run, do not walk, run to your kitchen and make these low carb smothered pork chops for dinner.

Run as fast as you can. Stop only at your local grocery store to get any necessary ingredients. Although, if you are a good low carber, chances are you already have all of these in your fridge already.

The Perfect Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

For this smothered pork chops recipe, you will need:

  • 12 inch skillet, preferably cast iron
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • Onions
  • Bacon
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Hurry home and whip out a good cast iron skillet, chop your bacon, slice your onionsand get ready to rock and roll. All you pork lovers out there, these smothered pork chops are a pork party in your mouth. You will be in hog heaven, you will want to go hog wild, and you will be livinghigh off the hog.

You will be bringing home the bacon (literally) and pigs will fly before you will let anyone share your dinner tonight. And now I can’t come up with any more porcineplay on words, so just believe me. You need this keto pork chop recipe in your life.

Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (2)

Some people might think that pork-on-pork recipes are over the top. I say the haters gonna hate. Bacon makes everything more delicious and what pairs better with pig than more pig?

Smothered Pork Chops Recipe Inspiration

This lovely dream of a low carb, high fat recipe came to me when I was staring into my freezer, looking at the 30 pounds of pasture-raised pork I bought recently. Much of it came as pork chops and I do have a longstanding love affair with pork chops.

And if you’ve ever had pasture-raised pork chops, you’ll know what I mean when I say I fell even morein love. The meat is more tender and the fat is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It tastes like butter, I swear. Like good, grassfed butter. I know grassfed and pasture-raised can be expensive but if you can get a little of it here and there, it’s worth it!

And caramelizing the onions in the bacon grease? Inspired, if I do say so myself. The onions become so tender and smooth, and the sauce becomes almost velvety.

Velvety onion goodness studded with bacon. On top of juicy seared pork chops. Do you believe me yet? Do I really need to sell you more on this meal? I loved it so much, I skipped dessert so I could have more.That, my friends, is an epic meal.

Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (3)

So what are you still doing here? Run. Run, I say. Run to your kitchen and make these crazy good keto smothered pork chops. Go on, scram! You can thank me later. And be sure to check out my Pork Chops with Roasted Poblano Sauce too!

Looking for more delicious low carb porkrecipes?

  • Easy Keto Carnitas Recipe
  • Air Fryer Pork Chops
  • Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
  • How to make chicharrones (pork rinds)
  • Instant Pot Sugar Free Pulled Pork

Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (4)

Caramelized Onion & Bacon Smothered Pork Chops

Juicy, tender pork chops smothered in a creamy onion and bacon sauce. This might be the best low carb meal I've ever had!

4.73 from 73 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: keto pork chops, smothered pork chops

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 chops

Calories: 352kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 small onions thinly sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ pepper
  • 4 bone-in pork chops 1 inch thick
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  • In a large saute pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove to a bowl, reserving bacon grease.

  • Add onions to bacon grease and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 15 to 20 minutes, until onions are soft and golden brown. Add onions to bacon in the bowl.

  • Increase heat to medium high and sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper. Add chops to pan and brown on the first side 3 minutes. Then turn chops over and reduce heat to medium, cooking on the second side until internal temperature reaches 135F, about 7 to 10 more minutes. Remove to a platter and tent with foil.

  • Add broth to pan and scrape up any browned bits. Add cream and simmer until mixture is thickened, 2 or 3 minutes. Return onions and bacon to pan and stir to combine.

  • Top pork chops with onion and bacon mixture and serve.

Notes

Serves 4. Each serving has 6.3 g of carbs and 1.02 g of fiber. Total NET CARBS = 5.28 g.

Food energy: 352kcal
Saturated fatty acids: 8.43g
Total fat: 18.23g
Calories from fat: 164
Cholesterol: 107mg
Carbohydrate: 6.30g
Total dietary fiber: 1.02g
Protein: 36.98g
Sodium: 725mg

Nutrition Facts

Caramelized Onion & Bacon Smothered Pork Chops

Amount Per Serving (1 pork chop)

Calories 352Calories from Fat 164

% Daily Value*

Fat 18.23g28%

Cholesterol 107mg36%

Sodium 725mg30%

Carbohydrates 6.3g2%

Fiber 1.02g4%

Protein 36.98g74%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Nutritional Disclaimer

Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them.I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

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Comments

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  1. Claudia Fiore says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (6)
    Just made this last night, and it was absolutely delicious! 👍🏼 One note, it only took an additional six minutes after flipping the chops to finish cooking and get it to the desired temperature. (Just a warning to everyone to keep an eye on them, because it will depend on your pan and your stove as to long you need to cook them.) Because we all want them to be juicy, not dry! Thanks and congrats, Carolyn, for creating another fabulous keto-friendly recipe! 🏆

    Reply

  2. Debra says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (7)
    I’ve made these a few times and they are the tastiest pork chops ever. I use thick boneless pork chops and they are just made for this sauce .. oh the sauce .. you’re right, it’s velvety and so delicious. I saw another reader thought it would go really well over burgers. Gives me ideas! Another great recipe Carolyn!

    Reply

  3. Tammy O. says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (8)
    This is one of my most favourite meals EVER! As my son said, you could slap that topping on anything!! This is an absolutely divine dish!

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      Probably! 🙂 Keep checking it with your thermometer. It really depends on how thick they are.

      Reply

  4. Bev says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (9)
    These have become a family favorite.

    Reply

  5. Amy Hale says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (10)
    Wow! SOOOO Good! Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply

  6. Bobbi says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (11)
    Love how flavorful this is

    Reply

  7. Sun Beamer says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (12)
    Made this this week I had 6 boneless loin chops that I had on hand instead of bone in chops. Made a roasted head of cauliflower & air fried some Brussels sprouts to go with it. My husband loved it! He asked if there was any left the rest of the week! Thanks for adding something delicious to my tired recipe line up!

    Reply

  8. Patricia Clayborn says

    I am hoping that the sauce will make some canned pork be an exciting meal. I have several pints of it and have been looking for other ways to use it besides with sauerkraut! Here’s hoping. 🙂

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      I’ve never had canned pork! Well, this sauce would be good over anything… okay, not cake. Don’t pour it over cake. But any meats or even veggies? Heck yes!

      Reply

  9. Kathy Huffman says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (13)
    Oh my gosh, this has to be the best sauce ever. I mean the chops were good but the topping was over the top good. I am going to use this on burgers too! Glad I cut it down to 2 servings cause I would have just eaten the bacon onion sauce with a spoon if there were leftovers. Thank you for a to die for recipe!

    Reply

  10. Amanda says

    I make this about once a week but I can NEVER get the broth and heavy cream to thicken up at the end. What’s the secret?

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      You actually need to bring it to a full simmer.

      Reply

  11. Darla Brochu says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (14)
    Made these tonight – BIG hit. Delicious and easy to make…this is keeper.

    Reply

  12. Maryann says

    Made these and they were terrific!!! Thank you!!

    Reply

  13. Laura Donnelly says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (15)
    Hello, just wanted to add my 5 star rating (I would of given it 10 stars if that was an option) and rave about this recipe!! I am making this for the 2nd time tonight. When I asked my husband if he wanted pork chops for dinner he asked if I was making them again with the caramelize onions…. then definitely!! We love pork chops but this recipe replaces how I have been cooking them for years. Thank you so much for your creative creations and your little synopses for each recipe…you are a joy to read!

    Sincerely,
    Laura

    Reply

    • Carolyn says

      So glad to hear it!

      Reply

  14. Dana says

    These pork chops were waaay better than I could have imagined! I was skeptical about pan frying such thick chops, but your instructions were perfect for getting them done and keeping them moist and tender. And that sauce!!!! So YUM! My husband totally raved. The only downside was the clean-up. But such is kitchen life! Still the recipe earns thumbs up all the way!

    Reply

  15. Judith Henriksen says

    Carolyn this recipe is soooooo good. I didn’t have bacon so I substituted sausage and it was wonderful. Thank you for your wise keto cooking!!!!

    Reply

  16. Deborah M Kloss says

    Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (16)
    Excellent! We had this for dinner tonight and will be making it again. This is a lovely way to make pork chops that are moist and tender. Thank you for the great recipe!

    Reply

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Bacon and Caramelized Onion Smothered Pork Chops (2024)

FAQs

Why are my smothered pork chops tough? ›

To keep pork chops tender instead of tough or dry, start with a pan that is really hot, which helps create a good crust on both sides. But after you've done that, reduce the heat to medium. If you keep it too high, the outside can overcook and get tough before the inside is adequately cooked.

What is the secret to making tender pork chops? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

What do you soak pork chops in before cooking? ›

For a pork brine, dissolve kosher salt and brown sugar in water, then add flavorings like garlic, herbs (such as thyme or rosemary sprigs), and optional spices. Brine pork chops for a few hours to enhance their flavor and tenderness before cooking.

Do pork chops get more tender the longer you cook them? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

Does pork get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Unlike the more lean tenderloin and chops, pork shoulder is an incredibly forgiving cut of meat. It becomes more tender as it cooks and benefits from a lengthy cook time, so even if it stays on the heat a few minutes too long, you won't suddenly end up with something dry or rubbery.

Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops? ›

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

What is a good tenderizer for pork chops? ›

Acid from the balsamic vinegar tenderizes the pork. Salt from the soy sauce flavors the pork. Sweetness from the honey balances out the acid and salt. Worcestershire sauce adds a wonderful layer of unami flavor.

What is the best seasoning for pork chops? ›

Best Seasoning for Pork Chops

Thyme and sage add herby and floral notes complementing pork's flavor exceptionally well. There's also a combination of smoked paprika, pepper, and a little bit of cayenne pepper, which all give your pork chops a lovely, not overly spicy, kiss of heat.

What kind of sauce is good on pork chops? ›

15 Sauces For Pork To Instantly Upgrade Suppertime
  • 01 of 15. Blackberry-Honey Mustard Sauce. ...
  • 02 of 15. Alabama White Sauce. ...
  • 03 of 15. Mustard Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 15. Mustard-Cream Sauce. ...
  • 05 of 15. Spinach Pesto. ...
  • 06 of 15. Eastern North Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce. ...
  • 07 of 15. Gingered Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 08 of 15. Pork Tenderloin Dijon Pan Sauce.
Mar 22, 2024

What are the two cooking methods best recommended for pork chop? ›

The quickest way to cook pork chops is to pan-fry or griddle them. As the chops can be quite large, this method is best when serving one or two people. If you're cooking for more you might want to try roasting or grilling.

Can you reheat smothered pork chops? ›

The Best Way to Reheat Pork Chops Is in the Oven

The very best way to reheat leftover pork chops is low and slow with a little extra moisture — you can use either broth or water with great results.

Are you supposed to wash pork chops before cooking? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

Why do you rinse pork chops before cooking? ›

Some consumers may wash or rinse their raw meat or poultry because it's a habit or because a family member they trust has always washed their meat. USDA research found that washing or rinsing meat or poultry increases the risk for cross-contamination in the kitchen, which can cause foodborne illness.

Does soaking pork chops in salt water make them tender? ›

A brine is essentially just salt and water. It helps prevent moisture loss during cooking, and the salt also helps tenderize the meat from the inside out. If you want an extra juicy piece of pork, brine it before cooking. You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help.

How to soften tough pork chops? ›

To tenderize pork before cooking it, try breaking up the tough muscle by hitting it with a meat mallet evenly across the surface of the meat. Then, if you want your pork to be extra tender, you can marinate it in a tenderizing marinade made with acids, like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine.

How do you make tough pork chops tender after cooking? ›

We Recommend
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of water or broth (chicken, beef or vegetable) to an oven-safe pan.
  3. Place the pork chops in the pan.
  4. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
  5. Reheat in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly heated.

How do you fix hard pork chops? ›

If you're looking for a quick fix, tenderizing the tough pork chops can do the trick. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound the meat, focusing on the thickest parts. This technique helps to break down the tough connective tissues and promote tenderness.

Why did my pork come out tough? ›

Muscle fibers contract and push out moisture as meat cooks. It first starts to happen when the internal temperature reaches 104℉ (40℃) and greatly increases once you hit 140℉ (60℃). This is why ribeyes, chicken breasts, and pork chops turn dry and chewy when you cook them for too long.

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