Pork chops are a fantastic choice for dinner, offering so much flavor and versatility. I know sometimes it’s hard to come up with new ideas for how to cook them, so I’ve put together some of my favorite ways to enjoy pork chops.
From quick weeknight meals to cozy baked dishes, you’ll find a pork chop recipe here that everyone at your table will love. I hope you enjoy trying these easy, delicious ideas!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Pan Seared Pork Chops for Dinner
- 2. Sweet and Tangy Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
- 3. Quick Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Soup
Pan Seared Pork Chops for Dinner
This is a classic way to cook pork chops, quickly browned for a nice crust. This simple method keeps the meat juicy and full of flavor.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Brining for Juicy Pork Chops: A quick brine (salt water) helps keep pork chops moist, especially if they are lean.
- Hot Pan for a Great Sear: Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the chops. This creates that beautiful golden-brown crust.
What You Need
- 2 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Pat your pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This helps with searing. Sprinkle generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chops
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the pork chops. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side until they have a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through.
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Remove the cooked pork chops from the pan and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This important step helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chops tender.
📝 Final Note
Make sure not to overcrowd your pan when searing; cook the chops in batches if needed so they brown properly.
Sweet and Tangy Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
This recipe pairs juicy pork chops with the sweet-tart taste of apples and soft onions. It’s a classic combination that always feels special, especially in the fall.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Best Apples for Cooking: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and provide good balance.
- Building Flavor by Deglazing: Use apple cider or chicken broth to scrape up the browned bits from the pan after searing the pork. This creates a delicious sauce.
What You Need
- 2-3 boneless pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large apple, cored and sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- ½ cup apple cider or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2-3 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Brown the Pork Chops
Season your pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 3-4 minutes per side until they are nicely browned. Remove the chops from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook Apples and Onions
Add the sliced apples and onions to the same skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until they have softened and started to lightly caramelize. Pour in the apple cider and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
Step 3: Finish Together
Return the browned pork chops to the pan, nestling them among the apples and onions. Sprinkle with dried thyme. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender. Serve hot with the apple and onion mixture.
📝 Final Note
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley just before serving adds a wonderful fresh aroma and color to this dish.
Quick Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Soup
For a quick weeknight meal, these pork chops are simmered in a rich and easy mushroom soup sauce. It’s a comforting dish that comes together fast, perfect for busy evenings.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Simple Sauce Base: Canned cream of mushroom soup is the hero here, making a creamy sauce with minimal effort.
- Boost Flavor with Fresh Mushrooms: For an even better taste, sauté some fresh sliced mushrooms and minced garlic before adding the soup.
What You Need
- 3 boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup water or milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops
Season your pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they are lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium-low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and water (or milk) until the mixture is smooth and combined. If you are adding fresh mushrooms, stir them in now and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 3: Simmer and Serve
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mushroom sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
📝 Final Note
You can easily adjust the thickness of your sauce by adding a little more or less water/milk to your preference.