Pork Chops – Skillet Cooked

February 12, 2024

Pork chops are a quick, healthy and simple dinner. Our method ensures juicy, tender, and flavorful pork chops with little fuss.

Summary

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  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 12 min (vrs. by thickness)
  • Other: 5 min (rest)
  • Total Time: 47 min
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 pork chops, about 1-inch thick and 6 to 7 ounces each, see notes
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 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 neutral oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil
  • 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

Directions

  1. Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator and season on both sides with salt — we use just less than 1/4 teaspoon of salt per pork chop. Set the chops aside to rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, make the spice rub. Mix the flour, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper in a small bowl.
  3. After 30 minutes, use a paper towel to dry the pork chops, then rub both sides of the chops with the spice rub.
  4. Heat the oil in a skillet (with a lid) over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and looks shimmery, add the pork. Cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. 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.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 6 to 12 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145° F when inserted into the thickest part of the chop. Cook time depends on the thickness of the chops, so check for doneness at 5 minutes, then go from there, checking every 2 minutes after that. If you do not have a thermometer, you will know they are done, if, when cutting into the chops, the juices run clear.
  7. Transfer pork chops to a plate, then cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes.
  8. 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.
  9. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half. Taste, then adjust with additional salt, vinegar, or honey.
  10. Slide the skillet off the heat, wait until the sauce stops simmering, then swirl in the butter.
  11. Slide the pork chops back into the pan and spoon some of the sauce over them. Alternatively, slice the chops, then place them back into the pan. Scatter fresh parsley over the pork, and then serve.

Adjustments

  • None

History

  • 2024-02-12 – Made these with 1/2″ pork chops and, indeed, they do cook faster! I pulled them when they were 145 F but by the time everything else was ready in about 7 minutes they were closer to 160F. Need thicker chops or to pull them earlier. Anyway, they were very tasty and I liked the sauce. Will certainly make again.

References