Today, I’m sharing two fantastic pork chop recipes that I know you’ll love. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful ways to get delicious pork chops on your dinner table, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve picked out two perfect options, whether you like them cooked fast in a pan or done slowly on the grill.
These recipes are simple to follow and promise great results every time. I’m excited for you to try them out and add them to your weekly meal plan!
Jump to Recipe:
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops for Dinner
These pan seared pork chops are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, making them incredibly juicy and flavorful. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for a weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours on it.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pan Seared Chops
- Room Temp Pork: Let your pork chops sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Dry Them Well: Patting the pork chops very dry with paper towels helps achieve a beautiful, golden crust when searing.
- Butter Basting: Spooning the garlic butter over the chops while they cook keeps them moist and adds lots of flavor.
What You Need
- 2 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Chops
Take your pork chops out of the fridge and let them sit for 15 minutes. Pat them very dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Step 2: Sear and Finish
Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, and any herbs to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter mixture over the chops for another 2-3 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
For the best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops are cooked perfectly. This prevents them from becoming dry.
Simple Grilled Pork Chops for Outdoor Cooking
Nothing beats the taste of a perfectly grilled pork chop, especially when the weather is nice. This recipe gives you smoky, tender pork chops with minimal effort. It’s ideal for backyard cookouts or a simple summer dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Grilled Chops
- Clean Grill Grates: Always start with clean grill grates to prevent sticking and get nice grill marks.
- Marinate if Time: Even a short 30-minute marinade in a simple brine or seasoning blend can make a big difference in tenderness.
- Resting Period: Let the grilled chops rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside for a much better taste.
What You Need
- 2-4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2-4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Season and Preheat
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the olive oil over both sides of the pork chops, then sprinkle evenly with the seasoning mix. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Make sure the grates are clean.
Step 2: Grill the Chops
Place the seasoned pork chops directly on the preheated grill grates. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they have nice grill marks and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove the chops from the grill and let them rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
📝 Final Note
To prevent your chops from drying out, always use a meat thermometer. Pull them off the grill when they hit 140-142°F, as the temperature will rise while they rest.