Zesty Herb 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 Zesty Herb Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, they're a perfect blend of juicy, crispy, and savory goodness.

Ingredients for Zesty Herb Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pork chops are the star, so choose bone-in for extra flavor and juiciness. All-purpose flour helps create a crispy crust, while garlic powder and onion powder add depth. The dried thyme and dried rosemary infuse an aromatic herbaceous note. A pinch of salt and black pepper brings out all the flavors. Olive oil helps achieve a golden-brown crust, while a touch of unsalted butter enriches the sauce. Finally, lemon juice adds brightness, and fresh parsley provides a fresh finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Patting the pork chops dry ensures a better sear.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the chops.
  • Letting the pork chops rest after cooking keeps them juicy.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. A crisp white wine or a light red complements the dish nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried?
Absolutely! Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying them out.

Zesty Herb Pan-Fried Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

First, pat those pork chops dry with a paper towel. This step is essential for getting a nice sear. Set them aside while you prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Now, dredge each pork chop in this seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any extra.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, place the pork chops in the skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You'll know they’re done when they have a crispy exterior and an internal temperature of 145°F.

With the pork chops still in the skillet, add the butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Swirl everything around so it combines with the pan juices, creating a delightful sauce. Spoon this sauce over the chops, then remove them from the skillet. Let them rest for 5 minutes on a plate before serving, which helps the juices redistribute.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior.
  • Aromatic herbs and zesty lemon create a flavor explosion.
  • Minimal ingredients with maximum taste.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 lemon, juiced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry and set aside.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the pork chops in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Add butter, lemon juice, and parsley to the skillet, swirling to combine with the cooking juices.
7. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops, then remove them from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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