Pan Seared Pork Chops

Name: Pan Fried Boneless Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless pork loin chops (½ inch to 1 ½ inches thick); ¼ teaspoon coarse salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil); 2 tablespoons butter (salted); 4 sprigs fresh thyme

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Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, pan seared pork chops are a delicious and easy-to-make meal for any night of the week.

Learn how to sear and cook these thick, boneless cuts of meat to perfection with my simple recipe that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Four boneless pork chops on a white plate.

You will love these pan-seared pork chops!

Boneless pork chops are a fantastic option for dinner—they’re quick, easy, and versatile. However, if you’re not careful, pork can dry out while cooking. But don’t worry! With these simple tips, you’ll have perfectly juicy and flavorful pork chops every time.

Here are my key tips for success:

Use a cast iron skillet. Preheat the pan until it’s hot before adding the pork chops.
Get a great sear. Let the pork chops cook undisturbed to develop a golden crust. Take a quick peek, but don’t flip them until they’re beautifully seared.
Finish in the oven, if needed. This ensures the chops are cooked evenly.
Cook to the right temperature. Use a meat thermometer and cook until the pork reaches 145°F.
Rest before serving. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.

Ingredients for Pan Fried Pork Chops

Uncooked pork chops with bowls of seasoning.

This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.

Pork loin chops - These are boneless chops that are cut from the loin. Select chops that are anywhere from ½ inch to 1 ½ inches thick! Bone-in pork chops can also be used, but the cooking time will increase slightly.
Olive oil and butter - I like to use both olive oil and salted butter because they add such great flavor. The butter is optional!
- Feel free to use vegetable or canola oil instead of olive oil.
Seasoning - Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a bit of garlic powder is added to the chops before cooking. Fresh thyme is added along with extra butter to make an easy glaze.
- Other seasoning options include Rosemary Salt, a sprinkle of Poultry Seasoning, or a bit of Italian seasoning.

How to Make Pan Fried Boneless Pork Chops

In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.

Remove your pork chops from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before getting started
If using thick pork chops (larger than ½ inch thick) preheat oven to 350°F
Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder

5. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the pork chops and cook for 3-5 minutes until nicely browned. Flip and cook the other side.
6. Place cast iron skillet with pork chops in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F

Checking the bottom of a seared pork chop.

To finish the pork chops, choose one of the following methods:

Butter & Rest Method: Remove the pork chops from the pan, place a small pat of butter on each chop, and top with sprigs of fresh thyme. Lightly cover with foil and let rest for at least 5 minutes.

Quick Pan Sauce: After removing the pork chops, let the pan cool slightly. Add butter and fresh thyme, swirling until melted. Pour the sauce over the pork chops before serving.

Pats of butter on top of cooked pork loin chops.

Butter and fresh thyme in a cast iron skillet.

Cook time for different thicknesses of chops

Thickness of Chops	Searing Time (Per Side)	Oven Time	Resting Time
½ inch thick	3-5 minutes	0	5
1 inch thick	3-5 minutes	5	5
1 ½ inches thick	3-5 minutes	5-8	5

Recipe tips

Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Chops that are ½ inch thick should not need oven time to finish cooking. Usually, the pan searing is enough time to cook through.
Make certain your pan is hot, but not smoking before adding the chops. Once added, avoid the temptation to move the chops. You want to develop a nice sear and if you move the chops around, you won't get that great color.
Cook the pork chops for 3-5 minutes before flipping. The time will vary depending on your stove and pan. You can peek under one chop to determine when to flip.
Use a digital thermometer to determine when your pork is cooked. You want an internal temperature of 145°F.
Finishing with butter is optional, but it does add great flavor.

Pan Seared Pork Chops FAQs

How can I tell when pork chops are cooked through?

The best way to tell if pork chops are cooked through is by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of a chop. When the internal temperature reaches 145°F, the chops are cooked through.

How long should I sear pork chops?

Sear each side in a hot pan for 3-5 minutes until they are nice and golden.

How long do leftover pork chops last?

Store leftover pork chops in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.