These pan seared pork chops with light seasoning are seared until perfectly golden and beautifully caramelized. Best of all, they only take 15 minutes from start to finish! This easy recipe results in tender juicy pork chops every time!
Easy Stove Top Pork Chops
Tender and rich in flavor pork chops are just minutes away with this easy pan-seared method that results in perfect pork chops every time! You can use boneless pork chops, bone-in, or thick-cut chops to make this meaty main dish.
They are incredibly easy to make for a quick family meal any night of the week! You can also easily cut the recipe in half and serve these pork chops for date night if you'd like to show off your culinary skills.
Jump to:
❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe!
Fast and easy. Done start to finish in under 15 minutes.
Makes perfect pork chops every time! A simple sear with buttery richness.
Family favorite. Our family enjoys this so will yours!
🥘 Ingredients
My pan-seared pork chops are seasoned lightly with only salt, pepper, and paprika (not only one of my favorite spices on pork and steak, but it also adds to the caramelization!) after being thinly coated with some extra virgin olive oil.
- Pork Chops - 4 pork chops. Boneless, bone-in, or thick-cut pork chops will all work just fine.
- Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt & Pepper - I find you don't need much, but you can add more or less to taste.
- Paprika - ¼ teaspoon of paprika. For a smoky flavor, you can also try smoked paprika.
- Butter - 1 tablespoon of butter.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🍷 Drink Pairing
A Cabernet Sauvignon highlights much more than just the gamey rich flavors of our simple pork chops. It also happens that cheddar cheese is very easily paired with wines, and using sharp or aged cheddar like in this white cheddar mac and cheese makes a delightful meal for all to enjoy any time or any season!
🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
This is a quick and easy recipe that anyone can make! You will need a frying pan or cast iron skillet and a meat thermometer to get started.
This recipe is for 4 pork chops. You can easily scale it up or down as needed, but be sure to always work in batches so you don't crowd the pan.
- Coat and season. Lightly coat both sides of all 4 of your pork chops with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season to taste with salt & pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika.
- Heat the pan and add the pork chops. Heat a heavy-bottomed frying pan or a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Place your seasoned pork chops into the frying pan or skillet once fully heated.
- Sear the first side of the pork chops. Cook on the first side for 3-5 minutes, or until nicely caramelized in color and the edges are no longer pink.
- Flip the chops, and sear the second side. Flip your pork chops to cook the other side.
- Spoon butter over your pork chops. While the pork chops are cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes on their second side, place 1 tablespoon of butter over the already-cooked side. As the butter melts spoon it repeatedly over the chops.
- Temp the chops. Using an instant-read temperature probe, check your pork chops to be sure that they reach 145°F (63°C). When golden browned and cooked to your desired temperature remove from the pan.
- Rest. Cover the cooked pork chops loosely with a square of aluminum foil, then allow them to rest for 4 to 5 minutes before eating.
Once cooked, serve this dish with a sharp cheddar-enhanced version of my creamy garlic roasted mashed potatoes and/or some easy air fryer asparagus spears. For more side dish ideas, take check out my post on what to serve with pork chops. Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes
- Don't crowd the pan. Only cook as many pork chops as can easily fit into the pan. (I usually do 2 at a time).
- Do not move the pork chops while cooking. To get a great sear leave them in one spot.
- Be sure the pan is very hot to achieve an excellent sear.
🥡 Storing & Reheating
Let your leftover pork chops cool off at room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. They can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pan Seared Pork Chops
Reheat your pork chops in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Usually about 10-15 minutes.
❓ FAQ
Yes, a pink color does not necessarily indicate anything worrisome. At 145°F (63°C), the pork chops are medium-rare, so some pink is to be expected. You can always cook them medium-well at 155°F (68°C) if the pink bothers you. They will be slightly less tender but still tasty!
Yes. Like most things, the freezer significantly slows down how fast they spoil but does not prevent them from spoiling completely. Enjoy frozen pork chops within 3 months to be safe. Also, remember to always date your frozen food so you aren't guessing how long it's been in the freezer!
Pork chops come from the loin of the pig which is the area that runs from its hip to its shoulder. There are a variety of different pork chops that come from this area, including but not limited to: shoulder chops, loin chops, ribeye chops, and boneless chops.
🐖 More Pork Chop Recipes
- Crock Pot Pork Chops - Not only are crockpot pork chops easy to make but they are also smothered in an irresistible pork gravy!
- Baked Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops - The only thing better than the crispy Parmesan coating is the creamy lemon basil sauce on top!
- Stuffing Stuffed Pork Chops - Hearty pork chops filled with soft, savory stuffing!
- Shake And Bake Pork Chops - These homemade pork chops taste even better with a made-from-scratch Shake & Bake coating!
- Marinated Grilled Pork Chops -Fire up the grill for these intensely flavorful and juicy pork chops!
- Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops - Try the sweet and savory flavor combination of garlic and honey the next time you want to whip up some pork chops!
📋 Recipe
Pan Seared Pork Chops
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly coat both sides of your pork chops with the olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.2 lbs pork chops, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
- Heat a heavy bottomed frying pan or a cast iron skillet to medium high heat. Place seasoned pork chops into the frying pan or skillet once fully heated, only cooking as many pork chops as can easily fit into the pan (I usually do 2 at a time). Do not move the pork chops while cooking.
- Cook on the first side for 3-5 minutes, or until nicely caramelized in color and the edges are no longer pink. Flip the pork chops to cook the other side. While the pork chops are cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes on their second side, add the butter on top of the already cooked side. As the butter melts continue to spoon the melted butter over the chops.1 tablespoon butter
- Remove from the pan when golden browned and cooked to your desired temperature. Cover with a square of aluminum foil and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment You May Need
Nutrition
Save
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: