Creamy Baked Pork Chops

 Ingredients:

– 4 boneless pork chops
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

 Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Season and Sear the Pork Chops:**
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.

3. **Sauté Onions and Garlic:**
In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4. **Make the Creamy Sauce:**
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. If you want a thicker sauce, you can whisk in the flour at this stage. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

5. **Add Cheese:**
Stir in the shredded cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. **Combine and Bake:**
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.

7. **Garnish and Serve:**
Garnish with fresh parsley and fresh thyme if desired. Serve the pork chops hot with the creamy sauce.

Enjoy your delicious creamy baked pork chops!