Pork chops are a popular recipe choice because of their simplicity, nutritional value, and versatility. They can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, baking, and even air frying.
There are countless recipes for pork chops with a wide range of flavor choices, so you and your family will never get bored.
Here are the best pork chop recipes and how to make them perfectly every time.
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1. Air Fryer Pork Chops
The air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook pork chops. Its air circulation process creates a crispy fried texture without the hassle or grease of traditional frying.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Combine the Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, parsley, and pepper in a flat dish.
- Spread the olive oil evenly over each pork chop.
- Coat each side of the pork chops in the spice and Parmesan cheese mixture.
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the pork chops halfway through the cooking time.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let the pork chops rest for up to 5 minutes.
2. Pan-Seared Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
Pork and apples are a perfect flavor combination. This pan-seared pork chops recipe uses apple cider for a thick, delicious glaze.
Ingredients:
- 4 center-cut pork chops
- 1 ½ cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle both sides of each pork chop with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Continue to heat until the oil is slightly shimmering.
- Slide the pork chops into the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side or until lightly golden brown. Remove the cooked pork chops to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the apple cider and brown sugar. Cook the ingredients together until thick and reduced to about half. Stir in the whole-grain mustard, along with the salt and pepper.
- Pour the apple cider glaze over the pork chops and serve.
3. Baked Ranch Pork Chops
A store-bought ranch seasoning packet is the key ingredient in this tangy, flavorful pork chops recipe. With roasted vegetables and potatoes, it can quickly become an easy sheet-pan dinner as well.
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless pork chops
- 1 ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch mix
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place the pork chops on a greased baking sheet with rims.
- In a small bowl, mix together the oil, ranch mix, and parsley.
- Spoon the mixture over the pork chops.
- Bake the pork chops for 20 minutes and then broil for 5 minutes.
4. Grilled Lemon Rosemary Pork Chops
Bright lemon and savory rosemary are excellent combinations for this grilled recipe, which is ideal for summer or fall.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in loin pork chops
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 small lemon
Directions:
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and place them in a large, deep dish.
- Add the rosemary, salt, pepper, garlic, and the zest of one lemon in a small bowl. Mix until combined.
- Rub the spice mixture into both sides of each pork chop.
- Let the pork chops marinade at room temperature for 1 hour.
- When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pork chops for 5 minutes on the first side, flip, and then grill for an additional 4-8 minutes until they reach 135 degrees F.
- Remove from the grill, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Baked Pistachio Crusted Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce
Crushed pistachios add a unique texture and satisfying crunch to these bone-in pork chops. For extra tang, serve with the whole-grain mustard sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed pistachios
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Take out three flat dishes or three large bowls. Add the flour to the first dish. Beat three eggs together in the second. Add the finely crushed pistachios to the third.
- Dredge each pork chop in flour, eggs, and pistachios, ensuring they are fully coated at each step.
- Melt half of the butter and oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Once the skillet is hot enough, add the pork chops and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the pork chops to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the pork chops for 12-15 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- While the pork chops cook, make the mustard sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the shallots and garlic to the saucepan and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in the mustard, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook.
- Deglaze the saucepan by adding the chicken stock and stir until the sauce has thickened.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer and then stir in the cream. Let simmer until the sauce has thickened again.
- Spoon the sauce over the cooked pork chops.
6. Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Use the slow cooker or crockpot on busy days for an effortless, make-ahead meal that’s still comforting and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Directions:
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and then lightly season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, and spices in a small bowl until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the bottom of the slower cooker, and then add the pork chops.
- Make sure the pork chops are covered with the liquid.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
7. Southern Smothered Pork Chops
Smothered pork chops are a classic recipe from the Deep South. Traditionally, they are served over mashed potatoes, but you can substitute rice, mashed cauliflower, or roasted vegetables instead.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bone-in pork chops
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup water
Directions:
- Season both sides of each pork chop on a plate with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Set aside.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until the oil is shimmering slightly.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove the pork chops and set them aside on a clean plate.
- To the same skillet, add the butter and sliced yellow onion.
- Sauté the ingredients until the onions are brown and slightly wilted. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, buttermilk, and water to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan into the liquid.
- Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thick.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, coat them in the gravy mixture, and cook for 10 minutes or until they reach 145 degrees F.
- Serve the pork chops and gravy over your side dish of choice.
What Part of the Pig is Pork Chops?
Pork chops are cuts of meat that come from the pig’s loin. The loin is the area of the pig that runs along the back, between the shoulder and the leg.
Pork chops are typically cut crosswise from the loin and can be bone-in or boneless. The bone-in version is often considered more flavorful, as the bone adds extra moisture and flavor to the meat during cooking.
Are Pork Chops Healthy?
In general, pork chops are a healthy option for a balanced diet. Pork chops are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Depending on the cut of pork, they can also be incredibly lean and low fat.
In Summary
From easy weeknight meals to decadent weekend feasts, pork chops are an excellent choice.
Try one or all of my best pork chop recipes to find your favorite way to prepare and enjoy this dish.
