Herb-Infused Pan-Fried Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these Herb-Infused Pan-Fried Pork Chops. This recipe combines fresh herbs and a buttery finish, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pork chops: Look for bone-in chops around 1-inch thick for optimal juiciness and flavor. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking.

Olive oil: A staple for searing, olive oil helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.

Salt and black pepper: These basics enhance the natural flavors of the pork, allowing the herbs to shine.

Garlic powder and onion powder: These pantry favorites add depth and savory notes to the dish.

Fresh thyme and rosemary: These aromatic herbs infuse the pork with a fragrant, earthy flavor that’s hard to resist.

Chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps the herbs release their flavor into the sauce.

Butter: Provides a rich, velvety finish that ties the flavors together.

Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, balancing the richness with a hint of acidity.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the pork chops reach room temperature before cooking for even searing.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked pork.
  • If you can't find fresh herbs, dried ones will work in a pinch — just use half the amount.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta would also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as boneless chops cook faster.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even a splash of white wine can be used as substitutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Herb-Infused Pan-Fried Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab your pork chops and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for getting that golden-brown sear. Once dry, season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don't skimp on the seasoning; it’s what builds the flavor foundation.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. You’ll want to wait until the oil is shimmering before adding the pork chops, as this indicates it's hot enough to sear. Place the chops in the skillet, leaving space between each piece. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You're looking for a nice, caramelized color.

Once both sides are seared, reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the fresh thyme and rosemary leaves into the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, which will help deglaze any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let this aromatic mixture cook for another 2 minutes, infusing the chops with herbaceous goodness.

Add the butter to the skillet and tilt the pan slightly, using a spoon to baste the pork chops with the melted herb-butter mixture. This step adds richness and keeps the meat moist and flavorful. After 1-2 minutes of basting, remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter. Let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Finally, serve the pork chops with lemon wedges on the side. A little squeeze of lemon just before eating makes all the flavors pop.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Uses fresh herbs for a burst of aromatic flavor.
  • Only one pan needed, which means less cleanup.
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Impressive presentation with minimal effort.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp butter
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add pork chops to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the fresh thyme and rosemary to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Let the herbs infuse for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Add butter to the skillet and baste the pork chops with the melted butter and herb mixture, allowing them to soak up the flavors.
6. Transfer the pork chops to a serving platter and let them rest for 5 minutes.
7. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

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