Juicy Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe: Dinner Magic in Minutes

Juicy pan seared pork chops promise a mouthwatering meal that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Crispy edges and tender centers define this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Weeknight dinners gain an instant upgrade with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Salt, pepper, and a hot skillet become your culinary companions in creating restaurant-quality magic.

A quick sear locks in succulent juices, ensuring each bite feels like a celebration.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how straightforward techniques can yield such impressive results.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when comfort meets culinary excellence.

Why Pan Seared Pork Chops Are a Weeknight Win

• Conquer Quick Cooking: Master a restaurant-quality meal in just minutes with minimal kitchen skills required, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want impressive results.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the seasoning blend to match your taste preferences, whether you love bold spices or prefer a more subtle flavor profile, ensuring everyone can enjoy this versatile dish.
• Create Gourmet Moments: Transform an ordinary dinner into a special occasion with professional-level cooking techniques that deliver juicy, perfectly seared pork chops that look and taste like a chef prepared them.
• Budget-Friendly Deliciousness: Enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal without the expensive price tag, using affordable ingredients and simple cooking methods that maximize flavor and satisfaction.

Everything You Need for Pan Seared Pork Chops

• Pork Chops: A tender and flavorful cut of meat that serves as the star of this delicious pan-seared dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: A harmonious mixture of spices that enhances the natural flavor of the pork chops and creates a delightful crust.

• Olive Oil: Provides a perfect medium for searing the pork chops and adds a subtle, rich flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb that adds a fresh garnish and a pop of color to the finished meal.

How to Cook Pan Seared Pork Chops to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Pork Chops

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika

Massage the seasonings into the meat to create a flavorful coating.

Step 2: Heat Cooking Surface

Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat. Pour a thin layer of olive oil into the pan. Allow the oil to heat until it becomes shimmery and almost smoking, which indicates the perfect searing temperature.

Step 3: Sear Meat Perfectly

Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Flip the chops using tongs and reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 4: Rest and Finish

Transfer the cooked pork chops to a clean cutting board. Let them rest for 5 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This step ensures each bite remains tender and succulent. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Top Tips for Pan Seared Pork Chops Done Right

• Seal in Moisture: Pat the pork chops completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Choose the Right Cut: Select bone-in pork chops that are about 1-inch thick for the juiciest results and most even cooking throughout the meat.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, aiming for 145°F internal temperature to keep the pork tender and safe to eat without overcooking.
• Let It Rest: Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures each bite stays incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Boost Flavor Easily: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like thyme, rosemary, or cayenne pepper to personalize your pork chop seasoning and add exciting taste dimensions.

Tasty Variations on Pan Seared Pork Chops

• Herb-Crusted Pork Chops: Coat pork chops with a mixture of dried thyme, rosemary, and crushed breadcrumbs before searing for an herbal, crispy exterior.
• Spicy Cajun Pork Chops: Replace original seasoning with Cajun spice blend, adding cayenne pepper and extra paprika for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Pepper Chops: Use gluten-free seasonings and add fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper for a bright, tangy alternative that's safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Mustard Pork Chops: Create a mustard and herb crust using Dijon mustard, almond flour, and fresh herbs, catering to low-carbohydrate dietary needs.

What to Serve with Pan Seared Pork Chops

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Match the rich, savory pork with a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Syrah, which complement the meat's robust flavors and cut through its natural fattiness.
• Craft Herb-Infused Side: Prepare rosemary roasted potatoes or thyme-glazed carrots to echo the pork's seasoned profile and add complementary herbal notes to the plate.
• Create Tangy Contrast: Serve a bright apple slaw or quick pickled vegetables to introduce a zesty, acidic element that balances the pork's deep, caramelized sear and provides refreshing palate cleansing.
• Select Smooth Sauce: Whip up a creamy mustard sauce or apple-bourbon reduction to drizzle over the pork, enhancing its juicy texture and adding layers of complex, complementary flavors.

Storing Pan Seared Pork Chops the Right Way

• Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual pork chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pork chops in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place pork chops on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Pan Seared Pork Chops FAQs

• What's the best way to get a perfect sear on pork chops?

The key is to ensure the pork chops are completely dry before seasoning. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, which prevents steaming and helps create a crispy, golden-brown crust when searing.

• How do I know when my pork chops are cooked correctly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork chops are perfectly cooked when they reach 145°F (63°C). This ensures they’re juicy and safe to eat without being overdone.

• Can I use different seasonings for my pork chops?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, you can experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or create your own spice blend to match your taste preferences.

Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent pan seared pork chops bring Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with golden-brown perfection. Juicy meat and herbal seasonings create an irresistible meal that will delight dinner companions and satisfy serious protein cravings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 bone-in pork chops, approximately 1 inch thick

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Prepare pork chops by thoroughly drying them with paper towels to ensure optimal searing potential. Apply a robust seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika across both surfaces, creating an even flavor profile.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until the surface becomes visibly shimmering, indicating perfect searing conditions.
3. Carefully place seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust without disturbance for approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Gently flip the chops and reduce heat to medium, continuing cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
5. Remove pork chops from skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
6. Transfer rested pork chops to serving plates, optionally drizzling accumulated pan juices over the meat for enhanced flavor.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.

Notes

• Choose bone-in pork chops for maximum flavor and juiciness, as they retain moisture better during cooking.
• Pat meat thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for superior heat retention and creating an exceptional crispy exterior on the pork chops.
• Allow meat to reach room temperature before cooking to guarantee even cooking and prevent tough, chewy texture.
• Experiment with alternative seasoning blends like herbs de Provence or Cajun spice mix for diverse flavor profiles.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and maintain optimal tenderness.
• For gluten-free option, verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free and avoid cross-contamination during preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg