Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

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These pan fried pork chops are moist and juicy with the best flavorful browned crust. Learn how to cook pork chops in a skillet for a company-worthy dinner that’s so simple to make.

Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (1)

Easy Pan Fried Pork Chops

Since our Baked Pork Chops recipe is one of our most popular recipes, I figured you all would love another easy pork chop recipe: Pan Fried Pork Chops!

Cooking pork chops in a skillet is fast, easy and gives you the best crispy browned crust on the pork chops. And that browned crust = major flavor.

The pork chops are finished with a simple pan sauce made from butter and fresh thyme. So simple. So, so good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2)
  • Bone-In Pork Chops: I like using bone-in pork chops for this recipe because the bone keeps the meat especially moist. To make pan fried boneless pork chops, just keep a close watch on them so that they don’t overcook and dry out. Using thick pork chops (at least 1-inch thick) also helps to prevent them from drying out.
  • Seasonings: The seasoning mixture on these pork chops adds so much flavor! You’ll need kosher salt, paprika (I used sweet paprika), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper adds a little kick of heat, but this recipe is not overly spicy.
  • Flour: Dredging the seasoned pork chops in flour helps to create the browned crust as they cook in the skillet.
  • Olive Oil and Butter: Cooking the pork chops in both olive oil and butter gives you both richness and flavor. The butter also helps to create a pan sauce at the end.
  • Fresh Thyme: Thyme and pork are a delicious pair. The fresh thyme really adds something special to this recipe, so I highly suggest adding it.

How to Cook Pan Fried Pork Chops

This pan fried pork chop recipe comes together in a flash! See the recipe card below for the full printable recipe.

  1. First, stir together the seasonings in a small bowl. Place the flour in a wide, shallow dish.
  2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet, such as a cast iron skillet, over medium-high heat.
  3. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the pork chops.
Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (3)
  1. Then dredge the pork chops in the flour, coating both sides. Add the pork chops to the hot pan.
Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (4)
  1. Cook 2 minutes per side to get a nice browned crust. Then reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes per side, until the pork chops are cooked through. Be careful to not overcook them, since this will dry them out.
  2. When the pork chops are almost done, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the fresh thyme to the skillet. Once the butter melts, remove the pan from the heat. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat to keep the pork chops juicy.
Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (5)
  1. Spoon or brush the butter thyme sauce over the pork chops. Then serve and enjoy!

How to Tell When Pork Chops are Done

According to the USDA, pork chops should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145° F and then allowed to rest for at least 3 minutes before consuming. The temperature of the pork chops will continue to rise a few degrees during the rest time due to carryover cooking. The best way to tell if pork chops are done is to use an instant read thermometer to test the internal temperature of the pork chops.

The secret to juicy pork chops? Don’t overcook them. Overcooking is a sure way to dry out pork chops, and they can go from perfect to dry in just a minute or two.

Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (6)

Serving Suggestions

These pan fried pork chops are one of our favorite easy dinner ideas. We like to serve them with:

  • Potatoes: Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Red Potatoes are delicious side dishes for pork.
  • Vegetables: We love adding a green veggie to the plate, such as Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
  • Salad: Arugula Salad and Kale Salad are both good options.
Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (7)

More Pork Chop Recipes

We’ve created many irresistible pork chop recipes over the years. If you love these pan fried pork chops, give one of these easy recipes a try next.

  • Smothered Pork Chops
  • Grilled Pork Chops
  • Breaded Pork Chops
  • Crock Pot Pork Chops
  • Stuffed Pork Chops
  • Air Fryer Pork Chops
  • Instant Pot Pork Chops

5 from 6 ratings

Pan Fried Pork Chops

Servings: 2 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

These pan fried pork chops are moist and juicy with a flavorful browned crust and a simple pan sauce. This pork chop recipe is so easy and so delicious. Make it with bone-in pork chops or see the note below about using boneless pork chops.

Print Recipe Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 bone-in pork chops*, at least 1-inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, stir together the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper.

  • Place the flour in a wide, shallow dish.

  • Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet, such as a cast iron skillet, over medium-high heat.

  • Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the pork chops. Dredge pork chops in the flour, coating both sides, and add them to the hot pan. (Cook in batches or use two pans if they won't all fit in the pan at once.)

  • Cook the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side to get a nice golden brown sear. Then reduce the heat to medium, flip and continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes per side, or until the pork chops register 145° F in the center when measured with an instant read thermometer. Be careful to not overcook them as this will dry them out. (If your pork chops are thin they will likely cook in less than 5 minutes per side.)

  • When the pork chops are almost cooked through, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the fresh thyme to the pan. Allow the butter to melt and then remove the pan from the heat. Spoon or brush the butter and thyme sauce over the pork chops.

  • Let pork chops rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

  • Two large bone-in pork chops will provide 2 large servings or 4 smaller servings. You can use 4 pork chops to serve more people. You may need to cook them in two batches if they won’t all fit in the pan.
  • To use boneless pork chops, keep a close watch on them so that they don’t overcook and dry out since boneless chops cook faster. Using thick cut pork chops (at least 1-inch thick) also helps to prevent them from drying out.

Serving: 1pork chop, Calories: 538kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 38g, Fat: 34g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 147mg, Sodium: 1260mg, Potassium: 668mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 955IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 51mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is an estimate.

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.

This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!

30 Minute Meals Dinner Recipes

posted by Kristine Rosenblatt on Feb 11, 2023

6 comments Leave a comment »

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6 comments on “Pan Fried Pork Chops”

  1. Al Reply

    I enjoy all Kristine’s recipes, but this was exceptional. Flavorful, aromatic and easy prep. Thank you for such a delicious meal. Just like mentioned in recipe, do not overcook meat. This goes into my favorite dishes folder 😊

  2. Tina Ray Reply

    This was delicious I will make this often.

  3. Christine Reply

    Made this tonight and it was delicious! The coating was so flavorful and the chops were juicy. Will definitely make again!

  4. Bonnie Reply

    Delicious recipe. Going into my favorites file!

  5. Tish Reply

    This was the best pork chops I have made in a long time, thanks to this recipe. I omitted the paprika and cayenne, and used more Thyme. Cast iron pan, and used olive oil and butter. Then basted it with more pan “sauce” and extra Thyme before letting it rest. Delicious!

  6. Linda Reply

    I’ve made this a few times, both with bone in and boneless chops. Love the flavor combination of the spices and the end result is worth it. Easy, fairly fast, flavorful… what more can you ask for in a recipe. Thank you.

Leave a comment »

Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How long to cook pork chops in the frying pan? ›

When you're frying thin pork chops over medium-high to high heat, 2 to 3 minutes per side is just right for browning and cooking them all the way through. For thicker chops, brown on both sides then check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer. It will take 5 to 6 minutes per side to completely cook them.

Is it better to pan fry pork chops in butter or oil? ›

Unlike butter, many cooking oils have higher smoke points, allowing you to achieve a hotter cooking temperature without the risk of burning. This is particularly advantageous when seeking a perfect sear on your pork chops.

What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out? ›

For juicy, flavorful pork chops, try brining the chops before grilling or broiling — two high-heat cooking methods that can quickly dry out lean pork chops. Brines are essentially salty, sugary water solutions; they'll keep the meat moist, while adding flavor.

Should you cover pork chops when pan frying? ›

Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add meat. Don't add any liquid and don't cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until internal temperature registers 145°F on an instant-read thermometer (for ¾- to 1-inch-thick chops, plan on 6 to 10 minutes), turning meat occasionally.

How do you keep pork chops juicy when frying? ›

The Best Juicy Skillet Pork Chops
  1. Say goodbye to dry and flavorless pork chops. ...
  2. Tip #1: Don't cook chops straight from the refrigerator. ...
  3. Tip #2: Season the chops with salt half an hour before cooking. ...
  4. Tip #3: Rub the chops with spices and some flour. ...
  5. Tip #4: Sear on one side, flip, and then cover with a lid.

Do I put oil in the pan when cooking pork chops? ›

Heat oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Carefully add pork chops and pan fry until brown, about 4 minutes.

What are the two cooking methods best recommended for pork chop? ›

Common methods for cooking pork chops include grilling, baking, pan frying, and air frying!

How do you keep the crust on pork chops when frying? ›

But taking the extra time to soak your meat in buttermilk and let the flour set will ensure that your breading is fully adhered for the perfect breaded pork chops or breaded chicken. This creates a final result that is crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and altogether irresistible.

Should you rinse pork chops before frying? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

What is the secret to tender pork chops? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

Why do my pork chops always come out tough? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

Is it better to cook pork chops slow or fast? ›

Baking pork chops at 350 degrees F will result in more gently cooked and tender pork chops, but it will take more time. This temperature is ideal for thicker chops (between 1 and 2 inches) as well as pan-seared chops, since the lower, slower baking ensures that the pork cooks all the way through.

How do you know when pork chops are done in frying pan? ›

If they are firm to the touch, they are done. (See the touch test.) If you wait until you see juice oozing out of the top of a chop, it is definitely done. You can also check the internal temperature of the pork with a digital thermometer; when the pork registers 145°F in the middle, it's done.

Can pork chops be a little pink? ›

The short answer to this common question is yes! Due to the ingredients and natural preservatives found in many pork products, it's entirely possible that your meat may still be slightly pink even when it's fully cooked. In fact, pork can even be enjoyed medium-rare.

What's the best oil to fry pork chops in? ›

I find them packaged as regular cut or thin cut... either is fine. I always use canola oil for frying. This recipe is for two pork chops.

How do you tell when pan fried pork chops are done? ›

Read the meat thermometer to see if it is at 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). When the numbers have stopped rising on the thermometer this is the temperature of the meat. Try not to let the internal temperature of the meat get higher than 160 degrees F (16 degrees C) to avoid overcooking it.

How long does it take for pork chops to be fully cooked? ›

How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 400 Degrees F. As a general rule of thumb, plan on 7 to 8 minutes per 1/2 inch of thickness for pork chops baked at 400 degrees F. This means 3/4-inch chops will take between 10 and 20 minutes.

How long should I cook pork chops to be tender? ›

Remove from pan and add to baking dish. Cover the baking dish and place in oven until the internal temperature of chops reads 145. This should take approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Allow pork chops to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Is it better to fry pork chops with or without flour? ›

Adding a flour coating isn't necessary

According to Food Network, if you're not interested in frying pork chops using flour, you can simply season them using spices and herbs of your choice, preheat a skillet and add oil once it's hot, and sear the pork chops in the skillet.

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