3 Easy Pork Chop Recipes for Quick Dinners
I love a good pork chop for dinner. They are a classic choice, and there are so many ways to make them delicious. Today, I’m excited to share three of my go-to easy pork chop recipes that you can make any night of the week.
Whether you like them baked, spicy, or with a crispy crust, I have something here for you. These recipes are simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for a family meal.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Baked Pork Chops: A Simple Weeknight Meal
- 2. Spicy Blackened Pork Chops for Dinner
- 3. Crispy Blackstone Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Baked Pork Chops: A Simple Weeknight Meal
These tender baked pork chops are so easy to make and perfect for a fuss-free dinner. You’ll love how juicy and flavorful they turn out every time.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Brining for Juiciness: A short brine can make your pork chops incredibly tender and stop them from drying out in the oven.
- Even Thickness: Choose pork chops that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
What You Need
- 2 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Your Chops
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over both sides of the pork chops.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Place the seasoned pork chops in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) with a meat thermometer. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
Resting the pork chops after baking helps keep all the juices inside, making them even more tender and delicious.
Spicy Blackened Pork Chops for Dinner
If you like a little heat and lots of flavor, these blackened pork chops are for you. They get a fantastic crust on the outside while staying tender inside.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Good Cast Iron Skillet: A heavy cast iron skillet is key for getting that perfect blackened crust and high heat cooking.
- Homemade Blackening Seasoning: Making your own seasoning lets you control the spice level and ensures fresh, vibrant flavors.
What You Need
- 2 boneless pork chops (about 3/4-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Season the Pork
Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Brush the melted butter all over the pork chops, then press them into the seasoning mix, coating both sides well.
Step 2: Blacken Quickly
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it just starts to smoke. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until a dark crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
📝 Final Note
Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated when blackening, as it can produce a good amount of smoke from the high heat.
Crispy Blackstone Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Get ready for pork chops with an amazing cheesy, crispy crust cooked right on your Blackstone griddle. This method makes for super flavorful and tender meat.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Use good quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and a crispy crust.
- Medium-High Heat: The griddle needs to be hot enough to crisp the cheese quickly without burning it, so aim for a consistent medium-high heat.
What You Need
- 2 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep and Season
Pat the pork chops dry. In a shallow dish, mix Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops, then press them into the cheese mixture, making sure both sides are fully coated.
Step 2: Griddle to Golden
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Add a little extra olive oil if needed. Place the crusted pork chops on the griddle. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, until the cheese crust is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
📝 Final Note
Don’t overcrowd the griddle, as this can lower the surface temperature and prevent the cheese from getting truly crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
