Ah, pork chop 🥩—juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make when you know the right method. Here’s a simple, foolproof pork chop recipe that keeps them tender (not dry!).
Juicy Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Serves: 2–4
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2–4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper
- Optional: rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Season chops
- Pat pork chops dry.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add pork chops and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Butter baste
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Spoon melted butter over chops for 1–2 minutes.
- Check doneness
- Internal temp should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Rest & serve
- Remove chops and rest 5 minutes before serving.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Thickness matters: 1–1½ inch chops stay juicier
- Bone-in = more flavor
- Don’t overcook: pork is safe at 145°F
- Extra sauce: Deglaze pan with a splash of broth or cream
🍯 Easy Flavor Variations
- Honey garlic: Add 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp soy sauce
- Creamy mushroom: Add mushrooms + splash of cream
- BBQ: Brush with BBQ sauce during last minute
- Southern: Dredge lightly in seasoned flour before frying
If you want, I can give you a slow cooker pork chop, oven-baked pork chop, or smothered pork chop recipe next 😋
