Here’s a juicy, flavorful pork chop recipe—simple and reliable every time 🥩✨
Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1–1½ inches thick)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary, 2 garlic cloves (smashed)
Instructions
- Prep
- Remove pork chops from fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking.
- Pat dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear
- Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil.
- Sear pork chops 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Baste & Finish
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Spoon melted butter over chops for 1–2 minutes.
- Check Temperature
- Pork is done at 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from pan and rest 5 minutes (juices redistribute).
- Serve
- Spoon pan juices over chops and serve hot.
Oven Finish Option (for thicker chops)
- After searing, transfer skillet to a 400°F (205°C) oven.
- Bake 5–8 minutes until internal temp reaches 145°F.
Tips for Juicy Pork Chops
- Choose thicker chops—they dry out less.
- Don’t overcook—pork should be slightly pink inside.
- Brine chops 30 minutes in salted water for extra moisture.
Flavor Variations
- Creamy mushroom pork chops
- Garlic butter pork chops
- Smothered pork chops with onions & gravy
- Breaded & crispy pork chops
If you want a baked, air fryer, or smothered Southern-style pork chop, tell me which one 👍
