Herb-Infused Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Herb-Infused Pork Chops are a delightful way to elevate a simple cut of meat into a gourmet experience. With fresh herbs and a touch of lemon, this dish is both fragrant and flavorful — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Pork Chops

The star of the show, bone-in pork chops, are juicy and flavorful, especially when seared to golden perfection. Olive oil serves as the base for our marinade, helping to carry the flavors of the herbs into the meat. Fresh rosemary and thyme add a fragrant, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with pork. Garlic provides a robust kick, while coarse sea salt and black pepper bring out the natural flavors and add a bit of spice. Lemon zest and juice offer a bright, citrusy note that balances the richness of the meat. Chicken broth and unsalted butter create a simple, savory sauce that enhances the overall dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Letting the pork chops come to room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly.
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, cook the pork chops in batches.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked perfectly — 145°F is the sweet spot.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a light, crisp salad. For a bit of color, consider serving with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts. A side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, though it might slightly alter the flavor.

Herb-Infused Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

First, in a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper into a fragrant marinade. Take each pork chop and rub this mixture generously over both sides. This step is crucial for infusing the pork with flavor, so don't rush it. Let the pork chops sit with the marinade for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to permeate the meat.

While the pork is marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, place the marinated pork chops in it. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and creates a delicious crust.

After searing, lower the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth and butter to the skillet. These will mingle with the browned bits at the bottom of the pan to form a simple, yet delicious sauce. Allow the pork chops to simmer in this mixture for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This ensures they are cooked through but still juicy.

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite tender and flavorful. Just before serving, drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest for a fresh, zesty finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, yet impressively flavorful.
  • Uses fresh herbs that enhance the natural taste of pork.
  • Satisfying with a bright, zesty finish from lemon.
  • Great for both casual dinners and dinner parties.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp coarse sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
2. Rub the marinade generously over both sides of the pork chops and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated pork chops.
4. Sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Lower the heat to medium, add chicken broth and butter to the skillet, and allow the pork chops to simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with lemon zest before serving.

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