There’s something nostalgic about a perfectly cooked pork chop—the kind that’s juicy in the middle with a golden, caramelized crust. This recipe brings that classic comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The key? A quick brine, a touch of seasoning, and a good sear to lock in the juices.
Unlike dry, overcooked chops from the past, these stay moist and tender every time. Whether you’re pairing them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or apple compote, these pork chops stand proudly at the center of your plate.
⏱ Prep Time 10 minutes (plus 30-minute optional brine) | 🔥 Cook Time 12 minutes | 🍽 Servings 2–4 | 🌱 Difficulty Level Easy | 📦 Storage Tips Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze cooked chops for up to 2 months
Ingredients List
- 2 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Optional Brine: For juicier chops, soak in a mixture of 2 cups water + 1 tablespoon salt for 30 minutes. Pat dry.
- Season: Rub both sides of the pork chops with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Butter Baste: Add butter, smashed garlic, and herbs to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the chops for 1–2 minutes.
- Rest: Transfer chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Recipe Notes / Tips
- Don’t skip the rest time. It helps the juices redistribute and keeps the pork tender.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
- Too thin? If your chops are thin, reduce cook time to avoid dryness.
🧮 Nutrition Info (approx. per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 1g
- Fat: 19g
- Protein: 27g
- Sugar: 0g
❓ FAQs
- Q: Can I use boneless pork chops?
A: Yes! Just reduce cooking time slightly, as boneless chops cook faster. - Q: What can I serve with pork chops?
A: Mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, applesauce, or even a crisp salad work beautifully. - Q: Can I grill instead of pan-sear?
A: Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
Tried this juicy pork chop recipe? Snap a pic and tag your plate with #the_food_pedia on Instagram 🐷
