Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of thyme (fresh or dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and thyme. Let them rest while you prepare the bacon and mushrooms.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sear the Pork Chops: In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter. Once heated, sear the pork chops on each side for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Combine: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce and mushrooms over them. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to warm the pork chops through.
7. Add the Bacon: Stir the crispy bacon pieces into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the pork chops hot with the creamy bacon mushroom sauce.