Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (2024)

By Maggie Mayoza Published in 30-Minute Recipes

Jump to Recipe

You’ll love these Creamy Cajun Pork Chops when you need a quick, low-carb dinner! Get the juiciest, thick-cut pork chops with a deliciously flavorful sauce in this easy one-pan recipe.

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (1)

Cajun Pork Chops

Pork chops are a favorite in our house — They’re versatile, quick, and can be made healthy or indulgent depending on your mood! With this recipe you get juicy, tender meat and an extremely flavorful sauce that comes together easily. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner and so delectable you’ll want to serve it the next time you have company!

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (2)

Why you’ll love it:

  • Quick & Easy – This recipe gives you four large servings of juicy, impressive pork chops within 30 minutes! You don’t need any special equipment or difficult ingredients. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, and it will go with nearly any veggie for easy sides.
  • Super Juicy & Flavorful – The simple spice blend and creamy sauce make it easy to churn out delicious pork chops even as a beginner! Finishing the pork chops in the sauce and using a meat thermometer make it easy to get the perfect cook even if you’re not used to cooking pork chops.
  • Freezable for Meal Prep – If you like to plan ahead to have easy, cooked meals on hand, this is the perfect recipe for you! This recipe is perfect for stocking the freezer for a growing family, stressed neighbors, or someone in need of a good dinner.
Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (3)

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Pork Chops

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this recipe. You can find exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  • Thick-Cut Pork Chops – We love the thick-cut pork chops from Butcher Box (if you’re curious, this link should give us both $50 off). They’re uniform in size, 8 ounces each, and about 2 inches thick. If yours are smaller or thinner, you may need to decrease the cooking time.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika, Dried Oregano, Kosher Salt, and Cayenne Pepper (optional) – This blend creates a flavorful seasoning with hints of Cajun flare. If you like spice, go for the cayenne; feel free to leave it out if you want your dish more mild! You can use a store-bought Cajun seasoning, but be careful of the often high levels of salt.
  • Olive Oil – You can swap this out for your favorite cooking oil if you prefer.
  • Butter – This creates a velvety texture and beautiful flavor in the sauce. I have not used any butter substitutes, but I think a plant based butter could work similarly.
  • Heavy Cream – This is the heavy whipping cream, but you’ll pour it in unwhipped. I have not used any substitutes for this, but you could look for a store-bought plant-based cream alternative.

How to Make One Pan Pork Chops

This easy keto dinner is great for beginner cooks! You’ll just need a large skillet with a lid, a stovetop or hot plate, and a meat thermometer. Follow this step-by-step guide for beautifully juicy chops and the perfect cream sauce!

Season & Sear

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (4)
Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (5)
Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (6)
Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (7)

Combine the spices in a small bowl, then sprinkle each side of the pork chops with the spices. You can pat the seasoning into the pork chops to help the granules stick to the meat a little better. Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter is melted, add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Make Sauce

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (8)
Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (9)

Remove the pork from the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the butter and allow the mixture to come to a simmer, stirring occasionally slowly.

Simmer Pork Chops in Sauce

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (10)

When the sauce has simmered softly for 3-4 minutes, add the pork chops back to the skillet and cover. Cook the pork over medium-low for 10-15 minutes or until the pork chop reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a meat thermometer.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Pork Chops

Sprinkle some fresh herbs for a burst of flavor and color on the plate, maybe even a dash of parmesan cheese if you want to be a little extra! Serve with some Mashed Cauliflower, a Keto Dinner Roll, and a Sugar-Free Gin Fizz for an impressive, full dinner with about 11 net carbs! For an easy, healthy weeknight meal, serve it on a bed of crispy Air Fryer Broccoli.

More keto sides for pork:

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (11)
Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (12)

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Allow the pork chops and sauce to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep the pork chops longer, place in a freezer-safe container. Pork chops will have the best flavor and texture if eaten within 3 months after freezing.

Pro Tip: Using these reusable bags means you can freeze and reheat the pork chops all in the same container! Great for reducing waste and dishes!

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (13)

Best way to reheat pork chops without drying them out:

  • Stove top – Heat a skillet to medium-low, then add in your pork chops and sauce and cover. Stir occasionally for even heating, flipping the pork chops over after 3-4 minutes to warm up the other side.
  • Oven – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the pork chops and sauce in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven for about 10 minutes, flipping the pork chops and stirring the sauce halfway through the reheating time.
  • Microwave – Place pork chops and sauce on a plate, ensuring the pork chop is covered in the sauce for the juiciest meat. Blast on 50% power in 45-60 second increments, flipping the pork chop and swirling the sauce around after each blast.

If your pork chops are frozen, first let them defrost overnight in the fridge. This helps keep the sauce super smooth and the meat nice and tender. Thawing too quickly can cause the cells in the food to break down, causing a broken sauce or tough meat.

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (14)
Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (15)

If you like this easy keto dinner, you’re going to love these low-carb recipes!

  • Instant Pot Pork Chops – Perfect for those nights you don’t want to heat up the kitchen or take up oven space! The gravy is so tasty, you’re going to want a keto roll or two to sop up all the flavor.
  • – This is a super filling meal that is ready quick enough for a busy weeknight. Add some Mashed Cauliflower for a classic, delicious dinner!
  • Asian Pork Chops with Sesame Broccoli – Such a great one-pan meal! This one doesn’t need an additional side, though some Cauliflower Fried Rice would be nice.
  • Air Fryer Pork Chops – These are so easy and juicy! They’re perfect for a weeknight or lazy weekend because it’s ready in 20 minutes and doesn’t require much work or cleanup at all.
  • Pork Chops & Green Bean Sheet Pan – This is an easy, healthy meal that will help you keep your sanity through busy times. Very little prep, effort, or cleanup involved at all!

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (16)

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops

Annie

You'll love these Creamy Cajun Pork Chops when you need a quick, low-carb dinner! Get the juiciest, thick-cut pork chops with a deliciously flavorful sauce in this easy one-pan recipe.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, One Pan

Cuisine Keto

Servings 4 servings

Calories 447 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 thick cut pork chops about 8 ounces each
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter divided
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream

Instructions

  • Combine the spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle each side of the pork chops with the spices.

  • Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter is melted, add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

  • Remove the pork from the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the butter and allow the mixture to come to a simmer, stirring occasionally slowly.

  • When the sauce has simmered softly for 3-4 minutes, add the pork chops back to the skillet and cover.

  • Cook the pork over medium-low for 10-15 minutes or until the pork chop reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

Notes

Cook time will depend on size of pork chops. Mine were 8 ounces each and thick cut, so yours may need more or less time depending on how they compare.

Net carbs are 3.7 g per serving

Nutrition

Serving: 1 pork chopCalories: 447kcalCarbohydrates: 4.6gProtein: 15.5gFat: 41.5gCholesterol: 142.6mgSodium: 287.7mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 2.4g

Keyword easy dinner ideas, keto recipes, one pan recipe, pork chop recipe

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Creamy Cajun Pork Chops - The Best Keto Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to moist pork chops? ›

Fat is key to keeping pork chops moist

Basting them with fat, such as butter. Add in aromatics while basting for more flavor — similar to how you might cook a steak — and then you have the added bonus of browned butter and crispy garlic and/or herbs to serve with the meat.

Why marinate pork chops in milk? ›

Brining with milk is a great way to tenderize pork and other meats. The brining process opens up the protein to absorb the flavours of your brine and prevents it from drying during the cooking process. Chef Missy Hui promises us, “The brining process will give you the greatest pork chop of your life.

Are pork chops OK to eat on keto? ›

These creamy garlic parmesan keto pork chops are a flavorful and healthy dinner option that is low-carb and keto-friendly. Pan-seared pork chops are smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar and parmesan cheese.

Why do you soak pork chops in vinegar? ›

The citrus and vinegar in the brine tenderize the pork, leaving you with a more succulent bite of the other white meat.

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 liquid should I cook pork in? ›

Apple cider vinegar: Adds a little tanginess and helps to tenderize the pork. Without it, the pork tastes flat. Adding the vinegar wakes everything up. Fish sauce or Worcestershire: Seasons our cooking liquid and adds a nice burts of umami, which makes the pulled pork even more delicious.

What liquid tenderizes pork? ›

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.

What should I soak my pork chops in? ›

You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help. If you are just looking to brine one (1) pork chop or tenderloin, or up to 4 at a time, a quick ratio of salt to water is 4 cups of water and 3 Tbsp of salt / for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.

What meat is not keto friendly? ›

Note: Some types of processed meats like ham, bacon, some deli meats, as well as some cured meats, may contain sugar or fillers which can pack on the carb count and render them non-Keto friendly.

How much pork can I eat on keto? ›

At each meal, aim for 3 to 4 ounces of protein, like lean beef, fish, or pork, depending on your macronutrient needs. Cook with butter or oil (yes, seriously).

Is heavy cream keto? ›

With only 1.75 grams of carbs per 1/4 cup (59 mL), both heavy and whipping cream can be considered keto-friendly ( 3 , 4 ). For this reason, many people on keto diets rely on whipping cream or heavy cream as a sugar-free coffee creamer or to make keto-friendly desserts, such as chocolate mousse.

What is a natural 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 does baking soda do to pork chops? ›

Wet Brining with Baking Soda to Tenderize Meat

Whereas an oversaturated saltwater brine might make your cut less filet-like, a baking soda wet brine expedites the tenderizing process and limits the potential for oversaturation.

How do I make sure my pork chops don't dry out? ›

Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop. Even a quick 30-minute brine (or up to four hours) makes a big difference.

What is the best way to cook pork chops so they are not dry? ›

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy ...

How do you make pork soft and tender? ›

How do you make pork soft and tender? Soak your pork in a salt-based brine before cooking it using your desired method. Pork chops need to soak between 12–24 hours, an entire pork tenderloin needs to soak for 6–12 hours, and an entire pork loin requires 2–4 days of soaking.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rob Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 5581

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rob Wisoky

Birthday: 1994-09-30

Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

Phone: +97313824072371

Job: Education Orchestrator

Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.