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Close-up of three perfectly cooked pork chops smothered in a rich, glossy sauce and garnished with fresh herbs.

The Ultimate Pork Chops Recipes Guide for Beginners

This guide provides easy, step-by-step instructions for cooking juicy pork chops, perfect for beginner cooks. Learn essential tips for preparing flavorful and nutritious pork chop meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 pork chops
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 369

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Chops
  • 4 pork chops about 6 ounces each, 1-inch thick
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt per chop, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour optional, for gluten-free omit
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil
For the Pan Sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional

Equipment

  • skillet with a lid
  • Small bowl
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Plate
  • Aluminum foil
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator and season both sides with salt. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the flour, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
  3. Pat the chops dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture all over.
  4. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmery, add the pork. Cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Flip the pork. If the chops have a fat edge, use tongs to hold them upright until the fat sizzles and browns, about 30 seconds.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, then cover the skillet. Cook for 6 to 12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F. Start checking for doneness at 5 minutes, then every 2 minutes after.
  7. Transfer the pork chops to a plate, then loosely cover them with aluminum foil. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Increase the heat to medium-high in the same skillet, then add the chicken stock, vinegar, and honey. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any stuck bits.
  9. Slide the skillet off the heat, wait until the sauce stops simmering, then swirl in the butter.
  10. Return the pork chops to the pan and spoon the sauce over them, or slice the chops and toss the slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 369kcalCarbohydrates: 11.6gProtein: 46.1gFat: 14.3gSaturated Fat: 5.1gCholesterol: 138.8mgSodium: 767mgFiber: 1.4gSugar: 4.4g

Notes

You can use thinner or thicker chops; adjust cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chops are also an option. If you omit the flour, the crust won't be as even, but the flavor will still be great. For a variation, add sliced onions, apples, and thyme to the skillet before adding the stock to make an onion-apple pan sauce.

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