I love making easy pork chop recipes. They’re quick to prepare, simple to cook, and can be seasoned in so many delicious ways for any meal.
Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite pork chop recipes that you can add to your weekly dinner rotation. Whether you want bright, zesty flavors or a perfectly seared classic, these recipes will help you make a great meal.
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Zesty Lemon Garlic Pork Chops Recipe
These lemon garlic pork chops are packed with bright, fresh flavors. They make for a great quick dinner and are very simple to put together.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use juice from real lemons for the best bright taste. Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same fresh flavor.
- Plenty of Garlic: Don’t be shy with the fresh minced garlic. It’s important for the sauce’s great taste.
- Don’t Overcook: Pork chops can dry out quickly. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for juicy results.
What You Need
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Chops
Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This helps create a nice crust.
Step 2: Sear the Pork
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell it. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just long enough to heat them through. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley right before you serve.
📝 Final Note
If your sauce gets too thick while simmering, you can add a small splash more chicken broth to thin it out a bit.
Perfect Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe
Learn how to get a beautiful golden crust on your pan-seared pork chops every time. This simple method makes flavorful, tender pork chops.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Choose Thick Chops: Use bone-in or boneless chops that are about 1-inch thick. Thicker chops are easier to sear without overcooking the inside.
- Hot Skillet is Key: Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the pork. A screaming hot pan is how you get a beautiful, browned crust. Cast iron pans work best for this.
- Rest Your Pork Chops: After cooking, let your pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, making them extra tender and moist.
What You Need
- 2 boneless or bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other high-heat oil)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Chops
Pat your pork chops very dry with paper towels. This is important for getting a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Heat Your Skillet
Heat a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get shimmering hot. You might see a little smoke, which is okay for a good sear.
Step 3: Sear the Pork
Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet. Sear them for 3-5 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Avoid moving them too much during this time.
Step 4: Finish with Butter
Add the butter and any fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the chops for the last minute of cooking. Continue cooking until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
Step 5: Rest the Chops
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for at least 5 minutes before you slice or serve them. This makes sure they are as juicy as possible.
📝 Final Note
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops without overcooking them. Aim for 145°F.