Many people like pork chops because of their versatility and ease of preparation. They can be cooked quickly in various ways, from baking to grilling to frying, and eaten on their own or with other foods.
Here are the top easy pork chop recipes and how to make them perfectly every time.
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1. Baked Pork Chops
Baked pork chops are the best-baked pork chops of any time! They are effortless to make, with just a few simple ingredients and seasonings. Baked pork chops are soft, super juicy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 thick pork chops (about 1-1/2 pounds)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe rack on top of it.
- Spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray.
- Coat pork chops with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place on a prepared baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart to allow for even browning.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature of 160 degrees F).
- Serve immediately for best results using the juices as gravy for your meal!
2. Baked Garlic-Parmesan Pork Chops
This pork chop recipe is a great budget meal for an easy weeknight dinner. Bake them in the oven with herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to give them an Italian twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (or butter)
- 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or rosemary (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides, then add them to the pan.
- Cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side
- Transfer to a plate while you’re cooking the other ones.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add garlic, parsley, rosemary, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook for 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of water, then return the pork chops to the pan with any juices that may have collected on the plate.
- Cover the pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving with sauce spooned over them.
3. Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Chutney
This pork chop recipe is one of my favorite weeknight dinners. They are quick and easy to prepare, yet they taste amazing. I like to serve them with a flavorful chutney, which takes just minutes to make.
Apple Cranberry Chutney
Makes about 3 cups (750 ml)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 granny smith apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups/500 ml)
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) white vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 g) cornstarch
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) canola oil
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat
- Combine cranberries, apples, vinegar, and water.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until the cranberries burst, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar and cornstarch until smooth. Cook for 2 more minutes or until thickened.
- Remove from heat; stir in oil, salt, and cinnamon before serving with pork chops.
4. Honey-Garlic Glazed Pork Chops
This simple recipe is an excellent way for your kids to eat pork. The glaze includes honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger — all ingredients they love. If you have time, marinate the chops overnight in the fridge to boost flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add honey, soy sauce, and ginger; stir to combine.
- Place pork chops in the pan and cook until browned on one side, 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and repeat (it’s OK if they are not cooked all the way through).
- When done cooking, remove from heat, cover with foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Dijon Cream Sauce
Simply prepared pan-seared pork chops served with a dijon cream sauce that’s fast and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Pour off any excess oil from the pan and return it to the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add the remaining oil and cream mixture to the pan and whisk until combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the pork chops to the pan with any accumulated juices from their resting time.
- Simmer for 5 minutes more or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Parsley
Parsley is another plant that goes with pretty much everything. All you have to do is sprinkle the pork chops with parsley.
Ingredients:
- Pork chops (2 per serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, as needed
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp.)
- Cream (1/3 cup)
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Freshly chopped parsley, as needed
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add the pork chops and cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream, mustard, and garlic powder.
- Pour mixture into the skillet and return to stovetop over medium heat. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve over pork chops with parsley sprinkled on top.
7. Grilled Pork Chops
Pork chops are one of the easiest cuts of meat to grill. You don’t need any special equipment to cook pork chops — just fire up your grill and throw those babies on there! The grilled pork chops are juicy and flavorful, while the sauce adds a sweet and smoky touch.
Ingredients:
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- garlic powder
Directions:
- Start with a good cut. The best pork chop is 1½ inches thick and has a nice layer of fat. Look for chops with a bone in them (you’ll get more flavor from the marrow), but if you can only find boneless chops, no worries — just add extra seasonings (see season generously).
- Season generously. Before grilling, try a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides of the chops. You can also baste them with oil or butter while they’re cooking. This will help keep them moist and add another layer of flavor without overpowering the meat.
- Get grilling! First, cook them over direct heat until they are browned on each side, then move them over indirect heat so they can cook through without burning or drying out entirely in spots where they were exposed directly to the flame earlier in the process.
8. Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet Peaches
This recipe is a summertime favorite. You can use your favorite sauce brand or make your own by combining chopped peaches with onions, garlic, and jalapeño pepper.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 3/4 pound each)
Sauce:
- 1 cup diced fresh peach (about 1 large)
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion (about 1 medium)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, brown sugar, and chili powder.
- Brush both sides of the pork chops with half the mixture and place in an aluminum foil-lined baking pan (you can also use a grill pan if you have one).
- Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Meanwhile, prepare your sauce by combining all ingredients in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper as desired.
Wrap-Up: Easy Pork Chop Recipes
Pork chops are simple to cook and packed with protein, so why not create a new pork chop recipe to impress your family? Don’t be surprised if you love these so much that you make them for every special occasion.
