### Baked Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
#### Introduction
Baked pork chops with creamy mushroom soup is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for any dinner party or a cozy night in. This recipe combines the tenderness of baked pork chops with the rich, savory flavor of cream of mushroom soup. Here’s how to create this delightful meal.
#### Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
#### Equipment
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper
### Step-by-Step Guide
#### Step 1: Preparing the Pork Chops
1. **Seasoning**: Begin by seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. **Baking Dish**: Place a non-stick baking dish on a wire rack, or line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
#### Step 2: Cooking the Pork Chops
4. **Coating**: Lightly coat the pork chops in olive oil or melted butter to ensure they don’t stick.
5. **Baking Sheet Setup**: Place the seasoned pork chops into the baking dish and drizzle any remaining oil over them.
#### Step 3: Making the Creamy Mushroom Soup
6. **Sautéing Ingredients**: In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. **Adding Mushrooms**: Stir in sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
8. **Creamy Sauce**: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, and chopped thyme (if using). Whisk well to ensure no lumps.
#### Step 4: Combining and Baking
9. **Pouring Sauce**: Pour the creamy sauce over the pork chops in the baking dish.
10. **Covering**: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid to keep it moist while baking.
11. **Bake**: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C).
#### Step 5: Serving
12. **Resting**: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
13. **Garnish**: Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
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By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to create a delicious baked pork chop dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy your meal!