🐖 Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chops
🍽️ Servings: 2–4
⏱️ Time: 20–30 minutes
✅ Ingredients:
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2–4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, ¾ to 1 inch thick)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
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Optional: 1 clove garlic (smashed) + a sprig of thyme or rosemary
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Optional: ½ cup chicken broth or splash of white wine for pan sauce
🔥 Instructions:
1. Prep the pork chops:
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Pat chops dry with paper towels (helps them sear better).
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Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Sear the chops:
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Heat oil in a large skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat.
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Add pork chops and sear without moving for 3–4 minutes until golden.
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Flip and sear the other side for 3–4 more minutes.
3. Optional – Baste & finish:
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Lower heat to medium.
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Add butter, garlic, and herbs. Tilt pan and spoon butter over chops for 1–2 minutes.
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If the chops are very thick (1″ or more), transfer skillet to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to finish cooking.
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Internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) — use a meat thermometer if possible.
4. Rest & serve:
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Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving — this keeps them juicy.
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Spoon pan juices on top if desired.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
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With gravy: Make a quick pan gravy by adding a splash of broth or cream to the skillet after searing.
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With apples: Add sliced apples and onions to the pan with a bit of butter and sauté.
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With mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or rice — a classic match.
🔄 Variations:
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BBQ-style: Brush with BBQ sauce and finish in the oven.
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Breaded: Dredge in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then pan-fry.
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Smothered pork chops: Sear, then simmer in onion gravy.
Want a version for the oven, slow cooker, grilled, or smothered in gravy? I can give those too!
