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

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  • 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.
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  1. Then dredge the pork chops in the flour, coating both sides. Add the pork chops to the hot pan.
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  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.
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  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.

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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.
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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

Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (8)

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.

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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!

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posted by Kristine Rosenblatt on Feb 11, 2023

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

FAQs

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

I use both! At the same time! The butter helps achieve that golden brown color and adds more flavor, but you need the oil, too, because it has a higher smoke point and keeps the butter from burning. How long do you cook pork chops in a frying pan?

How long does it take to pan fry pork chops? ›

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.

What's the best way to fry pork chops without drying them out? ›

In a 12-inch heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil over medium-high temperature to cook pork chops. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the pork should register 145°F for doneness.

How do you keep pork chops moist when you fry them? ›

Brine with brown sugar.

We pretty much always suggest brining when it comes to pork chops. Not only does it add moisture, but it also seasons the meat inside and out. A little brown sugar in this brine also helps the exterior caramelize in the pan.

What is the secret to juicy pork chops? ›

How to Keep Pork Chops from Drying Out? Brine Them! After you bring your pork chops home, time to brine! Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop.

What is the best oil to pan fry pork chops in? ›

I always use canola oil for frying. This recipe is for two pork chops. It is best not to crowd them in the pan even if you have to start again with another batch. The biggest secret is the temperature and to keep turning the chops over.

What seasoning is good on pork chops? ›

Best Seasoning for Pork Chops

Thyme and sage add herby and floral notes complementing pork's flavor exceptionally well. There's also a combination of smoked paprika, pepper, and a little bit of cayenne pepper, which all give your pork chops a lovely, not overly spicy, kiss of heat.

Why are my pan fried pork chops 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 fry pork chops with or without flour? ›

Adding a flour coating isn't necessary

A flour coating also gives pork chops and other meats a delicious, crispy crust and an enhanced flavor. Despite these benefits, however, breading pork chops in flour before frying is not necessary.

Why does my breading come off when I fry pork chops? ›

To get the breading to stick to the chops, they will be quickly dredged in flour and then dipped in egg. The flour egg mixture really helps the bread crumbs stick! Dab the pork chops with a paper towel to absorb the extra moisture. (This also helps the egg mixture to stick.)

How do you keep flour 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.

Why aren't my fried pork chops crispy? ›

If the oil is not hot enough, you might end up with pork chops with soggy breading. The exact cooking time for the pork chops will vary based on the thickness of your pork chops. Test your oil by placing a small piece of bread to make sure it's hot enough to add your pork.

Do you fry pork chops covered or uncovered? ›

If you are using a cast iron pan and have turned off the heat, there should be enough heat if you cover the pan to finish the cooking of a thicker chop. If not, turn the heat to low and cover. The easiest way to tell when the pork chops are done is to press on them with your fingertip.

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

The key to flavoursome chops is cooking the fat on the outside really well over a high heat. This should be done quickly so as not to dry out the meat inside.

What cooking method is best for pork chops? ›

A quick turn in a hot pan followed by a little time in the oven is another great way to cook pork chops. You build color and flavor in the skillet, then hand the cooking over to the oven, which gives you time to prep the rest of the meal.

Is it better to cook meat with butter or oil? ›

WHICH IS BEST FOR COOKING STEAK: BUTTER OR OIL? Unlike butter, many oils have higher smoke points, making them the better option for cooking steak. Furthermore, there are some oils e.g. olive oil or grape seed oil that are healthier alternatives to butter. However, don't expect oil to taste better than butter.

Do you use butter or olive oil for pork? ›

Pan-fry the best pork chops

And oil, with its higher smoke point, helps stop the butter from burning so you can cook the pork at a higher temperature, according to The Washington Post. You can use any neutral, unflavored vegetable oil, such as safflower. (Avoid olive oil because it has a lower smoke point.)

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