Here’s a simple, flavorful, and budget-friendly pork chop recipe—juicy inside, nicely seared outside, and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
- 2–4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Prep the pork chops
- Pat the chops dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the chops
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add garlic and herbs
- Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and optional herbs. Cook for 1–2 minutes, spooning the pan juices over the chops.
- Finish cooking
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Cook another 4–6 minutes (depending on thickness) until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and serve
- Let the chops rest 3–5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Tips for juicy pork chops
- Don’t overcook—pork chops become dry if cooked too long.
- Brining in a salt-water solution for 30 minutes can make them even juicier.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth, wine, or apple cider after searing and pour over the chops.
If you want, I can give a one-pan garlic butter pork chops with potatoes recipe—super quick, juicy, and all cooked together for minimal cleanup.
Do you want me to do that?
