• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Chickens and Farm Animals
  • Gardening
  • Recipes
  • Podcast
    • Guest Application

Beyond The Chicken Coop logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Chickens and Farm Animals
  • Gardening
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Podcast
    • Guest Application
×
Home » Main Dish » Pan Seared Pork Chops

Published: Apr 3, 2023 by Kathy · This post may contain affiliate links

Pan Seared Pork Chops

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Jump to Recipe
Cooked pork chops topped with sprigs of thyme.

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.
Table of Contents
Boneless pork loin chops
Key ingredients
Step by step directions
Recipe tips
Cook time for different thicknesses of chops
Frequently asked questions
Serving suggestions
More delicious pork recipes
Pan Seared Pork Chops

Boneless pork loin chops

Pan-seared boneless pork chops are a simple and delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinner game. By quickly searing the chops on the stove and finishing them off in the oven, you can achieve juicy and tender meat that is packed with flavor.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.

One of the best things about pan-seared pork chops is how versatile they are. You can season them with a variety of herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles or pair them with a range of sides and sauces.

From classic mashed potatoes and green beans to more elegant options like roasted asparagus and a port wine sauce, the possibilities are endless.

Not only are pan-seared pork chops delicious, but they are also a great source of lean protein. When cooked properly, they can be a healthy addition to any meal plan.

Plus, they are quick and easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try and see how easy it is to create a delicious and nutritious meal that your whole family will love.

Key ingredients

Uncooked pork chops with bowls of seasoning.

Ingredients

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.

Step by step directions

How to make it

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
Patting pork chops with a paper towel.
Sprinkling salt over pork chops.
  • 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 other side.
  • 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
Pork chops in a cast iron skillet.
Checking the bottom of a seared pork chop.
  • Remove pork chops from pan, place a small pat of butter on each chop along with sprigs of fresh thyme, and lightly cover with foil for at least 5 minutes
  • Allow pan to cool slightly, then add butter and fresh thyme. Swirl until melted.
  • Pour butter over pork chops and serve hot
Pats of butter on top of cooked pork loin chops.
Butter and fresh thyme in a cast iron skillet.

Recipe tips

  • Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. For chops that are ½ inch thick, they 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

Cook time for different thicknesses of chops

Thickness of
Chops
Searing Time
(Per Side)
Oven TimeResting Time
½ inch thick3-5 minutes/05
1 inch thick3-5 minutes55
1 ½ inches thick3-5 minutes5-85

Frequently asked questions

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.

Serving suggestions

  • Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
  • Green Beans and Bacon
  • Broccoli Gratin
  • Homemade Dinner Rolls
  • Caesar Salad

More delicious pork recipes

  • Oven Roasted Pork Loin
  • Marsala Pork Chops
  • Tequila Lime Pork Chops
  • BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Apple Pork Breakfast Sausage
A sliced pork chop with a bite of meat on a fork.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my delicious main dish recipes!

  • Orange glazed ham on a wooden board.
    Orange Glazed Ham
  • Baked Greek Chicken with sliced lemon on a colorful platter.
    Baked Greek Chicken
  • A baked pasta dish topped with cheese and parsley.
    Baked Rigatoni with Sausage
  • Cooked chicken thighs on a white plate.
    Baked Honey Chicken Thighs
Four boneless pork chops on a white plate.

Pan Seared Pork Chops

Kathy
Upgrade your dinner game with juicy and flavorful pan-seared boneless pork chops.
5 from 17 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Resting Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Pork Chops
Calories 321 kcal

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Digital Meat Thermometer
Prevent your screen from going dark

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

Instructions
 

  • Remove your pork chops from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before getting started. This will help ensure even cooking of the pork chops.
    4 boneless pork loin chops
  • If using thick pork chops (larger than ½ inch thick) preheat oven to 350°F
  • Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel
  • Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder
    ¼ teaspoon coarse salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 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 sear other side.
    2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 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
  • Remove pork chops from pan, place a small pat of butter on each chop along with sprigs of fresh thyme and lightly cover with foil for at least 5 minutes
  • Allow pan to cool slightly, then add butter, and fresh thyme. Swirl until melted.
    2 tablespoons butter, 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Notes

    • Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. For chops that are ½ inch thick, they 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
 
Seasoning Variations
  • Use a sprinkling of poultry seasoning
  • Add rosemary salt
  • Use fresh sage or fresh rosemary instead of thyme
  • Add your favorite herbs, dried or fresh
 
See chart above recipe card for suggested cooking times for different thickness of pork chops. 

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pork chopCalories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 0.4gProtein: 29gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 255mgPotassium: 510mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 228IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Pork Chops, pork loin chops
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

More Main Dish

  • Shredded beef sandwich cut in half.
    Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches
  • A bowl of chili topped with sour cream and cheese.
    Three Bean Turkey Chili
  • Chicken breast with lemon and rice in a skillet.
    Lemon Chicken and Rice
  • A casserole dish filled with chicken, salsa verde and cheese.
    Salsa Verde Chicken
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Cooked pork chops topped with sprigs of thyme.
The author holding a chicken.

I'm Kathy, a busy working mom who loves to cook from scratch, grow a garden, and raise farm animals. Take a look around and find all my recipes, gardening tips, and country living antics.

More about me →

Christmas Cookies

  • Gingerbread cookies with piped white frosting.
    Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
  • Cranberry pinwheel cookies piled on a plate.
    Cranberry Orange Cookies
  • A stack of round cookies covered with colorful sprinkles.
    Christmas Sugar Cookies
  • A pile of cookies filled with raspberry jam.
    Raspberry Bow Tie Cookies
  • A plate filled with chocolate cookies topped with crushed peppermint candy.
    Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
  • Colorful Christmas cookies on a white cake stand.
    Shortbread Christmas Cookies

Popular Recipes

  • A single muffin topped with a crumbly topping on a plate.
    Oatmeal Banana Muffins
  • Stacks of crispy golden fish on a white plate with a blue rim.
    Beer Battered Fish
  • Crispy fish fillets topped with lemon wedges.
    Pan Fried Walleye
  • A plate with baked pasta with cheese and tomatoes.
    Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Dinners

  • Strips of chicken, peppers and onions in a baked casserole.
    Chicken Fajita Casserole
  • Crispy chicken thighs on a white plate.
    Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
  • A chicken thigh with a sauce on a plate with rice and peas.
    Apricot Chicken
  • A plate filled with chicken legs covered in barbecue sauce.
    Baked BBQ Chicken Legs
  • Grilled chicken thighs on a white plate.
    Italian Dressing Chicken
  • A golden chicken thigh on a white plate with roasted potatoes and green beans.
    Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Featured In...

Beyond the Chicken Coop recipes have been featured in many different sites.

Footer

Cooked pork chops topped with sprigs of thyme.

↑ back to top

Beyond the Chicken Coop recipes have been featured in many different sites.

About

  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Beyond the Chicken Coop LLC ®