Name: Thick Pork Chop Recipe - Juicy u0026amp; Easy Skillet Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Bone in thick pork chops, about 1 and one half inches thick: 4; Olive oil: 2 tablespoons; Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons; Garlic cloves, lightly crushed: 3; Fresh thyme or rosemary: 2 sprigs; Salt: 1 and one half teaspoons; Black pepper: 1 teaspoon; Paprika: 1 teaspoon; Onion powder: 1 teaspoon

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Thick Pork Chop Recipe

A well cooked thick pork chop recipe is one of the most satisfying meals you can make at home. Thick pork chops have a richness and presence that thinner cuts simply cannot match. When cooked with care, they deliver juicy meat, a deeply savory crust, and a tender interior that feels comforting and generous on the plate. This is the kind of dish that makes people slow down, savor each bite, and come back for seconds.

Easy Pork Recipes

What makes a thick pork chop recipe special is how it balances simplicity and technique. Thick pork chops give you room to build flavor without drying out the meat. They allow for proper searing, gentle finishing, and thoughtful seasoning. The result is pork that tastes full and meaty, not bland or tough. Whether prepared as seared pork chops or finished in a smothered style, this dish delivers the kind of satisfaction associated with ultimate comfort food.

People love this thick pork chop recipe because it feels both classic and timeless. It fits naturally into supper recipes, family dinners, and even special weekend meals. From vintage pork chop recipes to modern approaches inspired by southern smothered pork chops, thick pork chops have remained a favorite because they are reliable, flavorful, and deeply comforting when done right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This thick pork chop recipe is built around technique rather than shortcuts. It focuses on proper heat, timing, and seasoning to ensure moist, tender pork every time. If you have ever wondered how to make moist pork chops without breading or heavy sauces, this recipe gives you a clear and dependable method.

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. It works beautifully with pork loin end chops recipes, center cut pork chops, or even Costco pork chops that are generously thick. You can prepare them as classic seared pork chops or take them in a richer direction inspired by smothered pork chops. The base method stays the same, which makes it easy to adapt.

This thick pork chop recipe also fits naturally into everyday cooking. It is approachable enough for easy tender pork chops on a weeknight, yet refined enough to feel like a million dollar pork chop recipes experience. It teaches you how to cook pork chops on stove with confidence and consistency, using simple ingredients and thoughtful technique.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

Bone in thick pork chops, about 1 and one half inches thick: 4
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves, lightly crushed: 3
Fresh thyme or rosemary: 2 sprigs
Salt: 1 and one half teaspoons
Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Onion powder: 1 teaspoon

Substitution Notes

You can use boneless pork chops, including boneless pork steaks recipes cuts, but bone in chops retain moisture better.
Avocado oil can replace olive oil for higher heat cooking.
Dried herbs can replace fresh herbs, but use half the amount.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pork chops

Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator at least 20 minutes before cooking. Allowing them to come closer to room temperature helps them cook evenly. Pat each chop dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface prevents proper browning, which is essential for a good thick pork chop recipe. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Press the seasoning gently into the meat so it adheres well.

Step 2: Heat the pan properly

Place a heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers. A properly heated pan is key when learning how to cook pork chops on stove. The heat should be strong enough to sear but not so aggressive that it burns the seasoning.

Step 3: Sear the pork chops

Carefully place the pork chops into the hot skillet. Do not move them for about 4 minutes. This allows a deep golden crust to form. Flip the chops and sear the second side for another 4 minutes. This step creates the signature texture of seared pork chops and locks in juices.

Step 4: Baste and finish cooking

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and fresh herbs to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the butter over the pork chops repeatedly. This gentle basting adds flavor and moisture, which is essential for easy tender pork chops. Continue cooking and basting for another 6 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for perfectly cooked pork.

Step 5: Rest before serving

Remove the pork chops from the pan and place them on a warm plate. Let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring your thick pork chop recipe stays moist and flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this thick pork chop recipe with simple, hearty sides that complement the richness of the meat. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered green beans are classic choices. For a southern inspired meal, pair with gravy or onions similar to southern smothered pork chops.

Presentation matters. Place the pork chop slightly off center on the plate and spoon a bit of the pan butter and herbs over the top. This simple touch elevates the dish and makes it feel like a restaurant style supper recipe. These pork chops also pair well with apple based sides, creamy polenta, or rice. The versatility of pork chops makes them easy to adapt to different tastes and occasions.

Additional Tips

Choose evenly thick chops to ensure consistent cooking. Uneven thickness leads to dry edges and undercooked centers.
Do not rush the sear. A proper crust adds flavor and helps protect the interior of the pork.
Use a thermometer. This is the most reliable way to learn how to make moist pork chops without guessing.
Let the meat rest. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes in pork chop recipes.

Recipe Variations

Southern Smothered Pork Chops
For a classic comfort-style dish, prepare this thick pork chop recipe using a smothered method. After searing the pork chops, remove them from the skillet and add sliced onions to the pan. Cook slowly until soft and lightly caramelized, then add a small amount of broth and return the pork chops to the pan. Simmer gently until the chops are tender and coated in a rich, savory sauce. This variation delivers the deep, homestyle flavor people expect from Southern Smothered Pork Chops and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice.
Cajun Smothered Pork Chops
To create Cajun Smothered Pork Chops, season the pork chops with Cajun spices before searing. Once browned, remove the chops and sauté onions and bell peppers in the same pan. Add broth and a touch of cream, then return the pork chops to simmer until tender. The bold seasoning and creamy sauce transform this thick pork chop recipe into a hearty, warming meal perfect for supper recipes and cold evenings.
Garlic Butter Seared Pork Chops
This variation keeps things simple while maximizing flavor. Follow the original thick pork chop recipe, but increase the butter and garlic during the basting stage. Add a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the richness. The result is deeply flavorful seared pork chops that feel indulgent yet balanced, making them ideal for easy tender pork chops on busy nights.
Creamy Skillet Pork Chops
After searing the pork chops, remove them from the pan and deglaze with broth. Stir in cream and simmer briefly before returning the chops to the skillet. Cook gently until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. This variation is inspired by million dollar pork chop recipes and delivers a luxurious texture that turns this dish into ultimate comfort food.
Herb and Mustard Pork Chops
Add whole grain mustard and fresh herbs to the pan after searing to create a tangy, aromatic sauce. This variation works especially well with pork loin chops recipes and adds complexity without overpowering the natural flavor of the pork. It is a great option when you want a refined but still approachable dinner.

These expanded variations show how one solid thick pork chop recipe can become many different meals, allowing you to adapt flavors while keeping the core technique consistent and reliable.

Freezing and Storage

Store cooked pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked pork chops for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out thick pork chops.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 38 grams
Fat: 28 grams
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Sodium: 620 milligrams

Final Words

Cooking a thick pork chop recipe at home is one of the most rewarding skills a home cook can master. It teaches patience, attention to heat, and respect for the ingredient. When done properly, thick pork chops are juicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying in a way few other cuts can match. This recipe shows that you do not need complicated techniques to achieve excellent results, only care and understanding.

This dish also connects you to a long tradition of comfort cooking. From vintage pork chop recipes to modern interpretations, pork chops have always been a symbol of hearty, dependable meals. Whether you prepare them as simple seared pork chops or transform them into smothered pork chops, this thick pork chop recipe adapts to your table and your preferences.

By learning this method, you gain confidence in cooking pork chops of all kinds. You will know how to cook pork chops on stove, how to keep them moist, and how to serve them with pride. This thick pork chop recipe is not just a meal, but a foundation for countless satisfying dinners to come.

FAQ’s

Bone in pork loin chops or pork loin end chops recipes cuts are ideal because they stay juicy and flavorful.

Chops should be at least one and one quarter inches thick. Thicker cuts are easier to keep moist.

Yes, boneless pork steaks recipes cuts work, but monitor cooking closely as they cook faster.

Use a thermometer. Pork is done at 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a short resting period.

Absolutely. Costco pork chops are often thick and high quality, making them perfect for this thick pork chop recipe.