Pork chops are a fantastic meal choice, especially for busy weeknights. They cook up fast and you can prepare them in so many tasty ways.
I’ve gathered three of my favorite pork chop recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll find a dish perfect for any dinner craving here.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Smothered Pork Chops: A Comforting Dinner
- 2. Easy Teriyaki Pork Chops for Dinner
- 3. Texas Roadhouse Style Juicy Pork Chops
Smothered Pork Chops: A Comforting Dinner
These pork chops cook in a rich, creamy sauce until they are fork-tender. It’s a classic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Thick-Cut Chops: Use chops at least 1-inch thick. They stay juicy better when simmering.
- Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chops, add liquid to the hot pan to get all the flavorful bits. This makes your sauce extra good.
What You Need
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
⏱️ Time: 45 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Sear Chops
Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Simmer & Finish
Return pork chops to the skillet. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let them cook for 20-25 minutes, or until very tender. Stir in heavy cream and heat through for a few minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
This dish is wonderful with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Easy Teriyaki Pork Chops for Dinner
Enjoy tender pork chops coated in a sweet and tangy homemade teriyaki glaze. This recipe brings a burst of Asian-inspired flavors to your table quickly.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Marinade Time: Let the pork chops sit in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. This helps them soak up all the great flavors and keeps them moist.
- Watch the Heat: Teriyaki sauce has sugar, which can burn. Keep an eye on it when cooking and don’t let the heat get too high to prevent charring.
What You Need
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
⏱️ Time: 30 mins (plus marinating)🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Make Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. Put pork chops in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
Step 2: Cook Chops
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove chops from marinade (discarding used marinade) and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove chops from the pan.
Step 3: Glaze
Pour the remaining unused marinade into the skillet. Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir into the simmering sauce. Cook until thickened. Return chops to the pan and coat with the glaze.
📝 Final Note
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra color and flavor.
Texas Roadhouse Style Juicy Pork Chops
Get that famous restaurant taste at home with these thick, juicy pork chops. They’re seasoned perfectly and cooked to stay tender inside.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Brining is Key: Soaking the chops in a saltwater solution helps them stay extra juicy. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook: Pork chops can dry out fast. Use a meat thermometer to pull them off the heat once they reach 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
What You Need
- 2 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (1.5 inches)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 35 mins (plus brining)🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Season Chops
If brining, do that first (e.g., 30-60 mins in saltwater). Pat pork chops very dry. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mix all over the pork chops.
Step 2: Sear and Bake
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops for 2-3 minutes per side until a nice crust forms. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Finish Cooking
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps keep them juicy.
📝 Final Note
A pat of butter on top right after they come out of the oven makes them even richer.