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Close-up of two thick, juicy pork chops smothered in a rich, golden sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Easy Skillet Pork Chops with Pan Sauce

Learn how to cook juicy pork chops in a skillet with a simple pan sauce. This recipe is perfect for beginners and busy individuals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 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, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of 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. When the oil is hot, add the pork. Cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Flip the pork. 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, then cover the skillet. 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, then loosely cover them with aluminum foil. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Increase the heat to medium-high in the same skillet, then add the chicken stock, vinegar, and honey. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any stuck bits.
  9. Slide the skillet off 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 them in the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley 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. Thinner chops cook faster. Bone-in chops are also a good option and may add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. If you skip the flour in the spice rub, the crust will be less even but will still taste good. For a variation, add sliced onions and apples to the skillet after removing the pork, cook until softened, then add the stock, vinegar, and honey for an onion-apple pan sauce.

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