I think pork chops are fantastic for a quick and satisfying meal. They cook fast, take on flavors beautifully, and can be a real winner for busy weeknights. If you’re looking for simple, delicious pork chop recipes, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, I’m sharing two of my absolute favorite ways to prepare pork chops. Both are super easy and promise a tasty dinner without a lot of fuss. Get ready to enjoy some truly great pork chops!
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Quick Honey Garlic Pork Chops
These honey garlic pork chops are a weeknight dream come true. You’ll get tender pork coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Pork Chop Thickness: Use boneless pork chops about 1-inch thick. They cook quickly and stay tender.
- Garlic Freshness: Always use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor in your sauce. It makes a big difference.
What You Need
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep Pork Chops & Sauce
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and optional ginger. Set this delicious sauce aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pork
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they are nicely browned and almost cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the pork chops in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for another 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chops, until the sauce thickens slightly and the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). Serve immediately with rice or your favorite side.
📝 Final Note
Let your pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep them extra juicy!
Perfectly Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops
If you love the ease of oven cooking, this recipe is for you. These oven-baked pork chops come out incredibly tender and juicy every time, with very little effort.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Baking Pork Chops
- Don’t Overcook: The biggest secret to juicy pork chops is not overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Resting Time: Always let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist.
What You Need
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25-30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Season Your Pork Chops
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub the olive oil over both sides of each pork chop, then sprinkle generously with the spice mix, making sure they are well coated.
Step 2: Bake Until Perfect
Place the seasoned pork chops in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup if you like. Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop reads 145°F (63°C). Cooking time will vary based on thickness and if they are bone-in.
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the oven and transfer them to a plate or cutting board. Cover them loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time is key to keeping them juicy. Serve warm with your favorite mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
📝 Final Note
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well gently in the microwave or a skillet.
