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Two perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops in a rich sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. A beginner's guide to pork chops.

The Ultimate Pork Chops Recipes Guide for Beginners

This guide is for beginner cooks who want to learn how to make tender and flavorful pork chops. It provides a simple recipe with clear instructions and helpful tips for success.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 pork chops
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 369

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Chops
  • 4 pork chops about 6 ounces each, 1-inch thick
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt per chop, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour optional, for crust
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil
For the Pan Sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional

Equipment

  • skillet with a lid
  • Small bowl
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Plate
  • Aluminum foil
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator and season both sides with salt. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the flour (if using), chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  3. Pat the chops dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture all over.
  4. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmery. Add the pork chops and cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  5. If the chops have a fat edge, use tongs to hold them upright until the fat sizzles and browns, about 30 seconds.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 6 to 12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F. Start checking for doneness at 5 minutes, then every 2 minutes after.
  7. Transfer the pork chops to a plate, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes.
  8. While the pork rests, make the pan sauce in the same skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the chicken stock, vinegar, and honey. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat, wait until the sauce stops simmering, then swirl in the butter.
  10. Return the pork chops to the pan and spoon the sauce over them, or slice the chops and toss with the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley if desired and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 369kcalCarbohydrates: 11.6gProtein: 46.1gFat: 14.3gSaturated Fat: 5.1gCholesterol: 138.8mgSodium: 767mgFiber: 1.4gSugar: 4.4g

Notes

You can use thinner or thicker pork chops, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chops are also a good option. If you skip the flour in the spice rub, the crust will be less even but still tasty. For a variation, add sliced onions and apples to the skillet before making the sauce.

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