🥘 Best Pork Chops (Juicy & Flavorful Every Time)
🧂 Ingredients
Serves 4
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4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
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2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
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Optional: a pinch of brown sugar (helps caramelize beautifully)
Optional Pan Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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1 garlic clove, minced
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½ cup chicken broth or white wine
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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2 tsp honey or cream (optional for richness)
🔥 Instructions
1. Prep the chops
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Pat pork chops dry with paper towels — moisture prevents browning.
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Mix all seasonings together and rub evenly on both sides of the chops.
2. Sear
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat.
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When hot, add the pork chops and sear 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
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Don’t move them around while searing — you want that beautiful crust.
3. Finish cooking
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Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook another 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness.
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Internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) — still slightly pink in the center for max juiciness.
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Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
4. (Optional) Make the pan sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic 30 seconds.
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Add chicken broth (or wine), scraping up the browned bits.
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Whisk in Dijon and honey (or cream).
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Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, then spoon over chops.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or buttered corn.
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Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for color and flavor.
💡 Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
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Use thick-cut chops: Thin ones overcook quickly.
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Rest before cutting: Keeps the juices inside.
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Don’t overcook: 145°F is safe and juicy!
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Brine for extra tenderness: Soak in 4 cups water + 3 tbsp salt + 2 tbsp sugar for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry before cooking.
🔄 Variations:
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Garlic Herb Butter Pork Chops: Finish with melted butter, garlic, and herbs.
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Honey Mustard Glazed: Brush with honey + Dijon before searing.
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Smothered Pork Chops: Cook onions and mushrooms in the same pan, make a creamy gravy, and pour it over the chops.
Would you like me to give you the Smothered Pork Chop version next — with creamy onion-mushroom gravy and southern-style flavor? It’s ridiculously good.
