Pork chops are a go-to for many home cooks, and for good reason. They are quick, versatile, and can be truly delicious. I’ve gathered three of my favorite pork chop recipes that are perfect for any night of the week.
Whether you’re looking for a quick oven bake, something with fresh herbs, or an Italian-inspired meal, I’ve got you covered. These recipes are straightforward and packed with flavor, making dinner prep easy for you.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Herb Crusted Pork Chops for Dinner
- 2. Simple Italian Pork Chops Recipe
- 3. Juicy And Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops
Herb Crusted Pork Chops Dinner
These Herb Crusted Pork Chops are a fantastic way to bring fresh flavors to your table. The crispy herb coating adds so much to a simple cut of meat.
They cook up quickly, making them a great option for busy weeknights when you want something special without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Herbs: Using fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley makes a big difference in the flavor of your crust. Dried works, but fresh is brighter.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs give a much crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. Don’t skip them if you want a truly crunchy crust.
- Pat Them Dry: Always pat your pork chops completely dry before coating them. This helps the crust stick better and get really crisp.
What You Need
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients well. In another shallow dish, beat the egg.
Step 2: Coat the Chops
Pat each pork chop dry with a paper towel. Dip each chop first into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are fully covered.
Step 3: Cook the Chops
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the coated pork chops in the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy.
📝 Final Note
These pork chops are wonderful with a side of roasted asparagus or a simple green salad. For extra zest, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over them before serving.
Simple Italian Pork Chops Recipe
If you love Italian flavors, these Italian Pork Chops are going to be a new favorite. They are packed with the goodness of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
This dish feels hearty and comforting, yet it’s incredibly simple to put together, making it an excellent choice for any dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Canned Tomatoes: Use good quality canned crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. They form the base of the sauce and really matter for taste.
- Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder is okay, fresh minced garlic brings a much deeper flavor to this Italian-style sauce.
- Simmering Time: Let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes before adding the chops. This helps the flavors blend nicely.
What You Need
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Brown the Pork Chops
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then add oregano and basil. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Step 3: Finish Cooking
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C).
Step 4: Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. These Italian pork chops are great over pasta or with crusty bread.
📝 Final Note
For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine with the tomatoes. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top just before serving is also a lovely addition.
Juicy And Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops
Sometimes you just want to put dinner in the oven and let it do the work. These Juicy and Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops deliver exactly that: minimal effort for maximum taste.
The secret here is a simple seasoning blend and not overcooking them, ensuring every bite is tender and full of goodness. This is truly an easy pork chop recipe.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in pork chops often stay juicier, but boneless work fine. Adjust cooking time for thickness.
- Pork Chop Thickness: This recipe works best with chops about 1-inch thick. Thinner chops will cook faster; thicker ones will need more time.
- Don’t Overcook: Pork cooks quickly! Use a meat thermometer to pull them out when they hit 140-145°F (60-63°C) as they will continue to cook a bit while resting.
What You Need
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20-25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat and Season
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then brush them lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chops.
Step 2: Bake the Chops
Place the seasoned pork chops on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached when checked with a meat thermometer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chops.
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Cover the pork chops loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is important to lock in the juices. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
📝 Final Note
These oven baked pork chops pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or green beans. You can also add a pat of herb butter on top after resting for extra moistness.