These Easy Texas Roadhouse Style Pork Chops are juicy and packed with flavor! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Honestly, I love how quick these chops come together. A little seasoning and a hot skillet do all the magic! Pair them with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal here for added flavor and juiciness. If you only have boneless chops, they’ll work too but adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
Spices: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika brings great flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can offer a unique taste. Feel free to adjust spices to suit your palate!
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme is fantastic, but dried thyme is a good substitute if you don’t have fresh on hand. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated; you need less, usually about a third of the amount.
Beef Broth: If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used instead. For a vegetarian alternative, skip the pan sauce altogether and drizzle the chops with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Searing creates a delicious crust on your pork chops and locks in moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, as moisture can prevent a good sear.
- Preheat your skillet well. A hot pan ensures that the meat sizzles on contact, enhancing that golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the chops space to cook evenly. If needed, sear them in batches.
- Resist the urge to move the chops around. Let them sit undisturbed for the recommended time so they caramelize beautifully.
Letting your chops rest after cooking is just as important. It allows the juices to redistribute, making them extra juicy and flavorful!
Easy Texas Roadhouse Style Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water (for pan sauce, optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for pan sauce, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation and another 10 minutes for cooking. So, you’ll have these tasty pork chops ready to enjoy in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Pan:
Start by heating a cast-iron skillet or a grill pan over medium-high heat. This will help you get that perfect sear on the pork chops.
2. Prepare Your Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). This spice blend will give your chops a delicious flavor!
3. Season the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is important for getting a nice crust! Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of the pork chops.
4. Heat the Oil:
Pour the olive oil into the hot skillet, swirling it around to coat the bottom. It should shimmer when it’s hot enough!
5. Sear the Pork Chops:
Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the skillet. Let them sear for 4-5 minutes without moving them, until you see nice grill marks.
6. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Flip the pork chops and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Don’t forget to sprinkle the thyme over the chops while they cook!
7. Rest the Chops:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
8. Make the Optional Pan Sauce:
If you want to make a quick pan sauce, add the beef broth or water to the same skillet to deglaze it. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in the butter and let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
9. Serve:
Drizzle the pan sauce over the pork chops if you made it, and serve warm with a side of steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetable. Enjoy your meal!
Bon appétit! Your juicy, flavorful Texas Roadhouse Style Pork Chops are ready to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they may cook slightly faster than bone-in chops, so adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No problem! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can work in a pinch, or even chili powder for an extra kick. Each will bring a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or a little water can help keep them moist.
Can I Make These Pork Chops Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can marinate the pork chops with the seasoning mixture a few hours ahead or even the night before for more flavor. Just store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
