The Best Juicy Skillet Pork Chops
Wonderful Pork Chop recipe that everyone loved.
Wonderful Pork Chop recipe that everyone loved.
- salt to taste
- 1 t olive oil
- 1 t garlic powder
- 1 t chili powder
- 1 t onion powder
- 1/2 t ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 t apple cider vinegar
- 2 t fresh parsley chopped
- 4 pork chops 1-inch thick and 6-7 oz each
- 1 t all-purpose flour
- 1/2 t smoked paprika
- 2 t honey or brown sugar
- 1 t butter i used irish butter
- Carbohydrate 2.64283000244306 g
- Cholesterol 167.84 mg
- Fat 32.9985233333589 g
- Fiber 0.485299995834476 g
- Protein 42.6616200005645 g
- Saturated Fat 13.7403095000045 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (283g)
- Sodium 1129.52416666754 mg
- Sugar 2.15753000660858 g
- Trans Fat 3.50868216667439 g
- Calories 485 calories
Step-by-step
- Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator and season on both sides with salt and pepper — we use just less than 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt per pork chop. Set the chops aside to rest for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the spice rub. In a small bowl, mix the flour, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. After 30 minutes, use a paper towel to pat the pork chops dry then rub both sides of the chops with the spice rub.
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet (with lid) over medium-high heat. As soon as the oil is hot and looks shimmery, add the pork. Cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip the pork so that the seared side is facing up. (If there is a fattier side of the pork, use kitchen tongs to hold the chops, fat-side-down until it sizzles and browns slightly; about 30 seconds.) Reduce the heat to low then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook 6 to 12 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the chop. (Since cook time depends on the thickness of the chops, check for doneness at 5 minutes then go from there, checking every 2 minutes). If you do not have a thermometer, you will know they are done, if when cutting into the chops, the juices run clear.
- Transfer pork chops to a plate then cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes.
- While the pork rests, make the pan sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high then add the chicken stock, vinegar, and honey. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan so that any stuck bits of pork come up.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
- Taste then adjust the seasoning with salt, more vinegar or honey.
- Slide the skillet off of the heat and when the sauce is no longer simmering, swirl in the butter.
- Slide the pork chops back into the pan and spoon some of the sauce on top. Alternatively, slice the chops then place back into the pan. Scatter fresh parsley over the pork then serve.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Juicy Skillet Pork Chops
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. But honestly, a simple, satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. My go-to weeknight dinner is these juicy skillet pork chops. They're quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser, even with my picky eaters. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze! One pan, minimal dishes – that's my kind of cooking.
The secret to perfectly juicy pork chops lies in a few key steps. First, brining or letting the meat rest before cooking is crucial. This allows the flavors to penetrate and prevents the pork from drying out. Secondly, don't overcrowd the pan! Give each chop enough space to sear properly, creating that beautiful golden-brown crust. And finally, a good pan sauce elevates the dish from simple to spectacular. This recipe delivers all of this, and I'm confident you'll find yourself making it again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
Speed and Simplicity: This recipe is designed for busy weeknights. The entire process, from prepping to plating, takes less than 30 minutes. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are required. It's perfect for anyone short on time but wanting a delicious, homemade meal.
Flavor Explosion: The spice rub adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while the pan sauce provides a rich and savory complement. The combination of sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and savory chicken stock creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Juicy and Tender: The resting period and careful cooking ensure incredibly juicy and tender pork chops every time. The low and slow cooking method prevents the meat from drying out, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Adaptability: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends or pan sauce ingredients to suit your preferences. You can also easily swap out the chicken stock for beef broth or vegetable broth, depending on your dietary needs.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Choosing Your Pork Chops: Look for pork chops that are about 1 inch thick and have a good amount of marbling. Marbling is the intramuscular fat, which contributes significantly to juiciness.
Don't Skip the Resting Period: Allowing the pork chops to rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop. This step is essential for optimal results.
Mastering the Pan Sauce: The pan sauce is what takes this dish from good to great. Be sure to scrape up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan, as they add a ton of flavor to the sauce.
Using a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure perfectly cooked pork chops is by using a meat thermometer. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Serving Suggestions: These pork chops are delightful served with a variety of sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or even some crusty bread are all excellent pairings. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of rice or quinoa.
Variations and Substitutions
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a little extra heat.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with other herbs and spices in the rub, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano. You can also add a touch of garlic powder or onion powder.
Pan Sauce Alternatives: Instead of chicken stock, you can use beef broth, vegetable broth, or even white wine.
Beyond the Recipe: A Weeknight Ritual
More than just a recipe, this dish has become a weeknight ritual for me and my family. The simple act of cooking together, sharing a meal, and connecting over a plate of delicious pork chops has created some of our most cherished memories. The kitchen is the heart of our home, and moments like these around the dinner table are what make it all worthwhile. It's about more than just food; it's about creating connections and savoring the simple pleasures of life.
I encourage you to try this recipe, not just for the delicious food, but for the opportunity it provides to connect with your loved ones. Even if you're short on time, making a delicious, healthy meal can be a beautiful way to start or end your day, and a small gesture of love for the people you share your life with. It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and relish the moments around the dinner table.
