Julie Clark
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Cast Iron Pork Chops
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Need a 25 minute dinner idea? Cast Iron Pork Chops are perfectly seared and cooked with a rich garlic and herb sauce. These juicy pork chops are ideal for busy weeknights or even a special weekend meal.
Pork chops are such a versatile cut of meat. You can make grilled pork chops, pork chops in the oven, potato and pork chop bake, or even slow cooker pork chops.
But one secret to making the best pork chop recipe is to sear them in a cast iron skillet before baking them for a short time in the oven. This seals in the flavor, but ensures that they donโt overcook, keeping them tender and juicy.
Youโre going to fall in love with these juicy, garlic butter cast iron skillet pork chops, and you can also use this method with pork steak!
Ingredients Needed
- Use 1/2-inch thick pork chops to keep the recipe quick. You can use 1-inch thick chops or even boneless. See the recipe card notes to adjust the cooking times. Boneless pork chops work, too.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
- A cast iron skillet is recommended because it retains heat well and provides a good sear on the pork chops. However, any oven-safe pan will work to cook pork chops.
โจ See the recipe card for full list of ingredients and amounts. โจ
Other seasoning options
Looking for another seasoning mixture for the pan-seared pork chops? Try paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, or even fresh rosemary or sprigs of thyme.
How to Make Cast Iron Pork Chops
- Prepare. Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF. Dry pork chops with paper towels. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chops. In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sautรฉ the herbs. If there is a significant amount of leftover oil in the skillet, carefully pour o๏ฌ most of it, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the skillet (about 1 tablespoon) to prevent the garlic and herbs from burning. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Bake the chops. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the garlic and herb butter over them to coat evenly. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or unIl the pork chops are cooked through. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test the pork. The internal temperature should reach 145ยฐF.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes.
How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
Make sure not to overcook the pork chops. Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness and remove the pork chops from the oven once they reach an internal temperature of 145ยฐF. Letting them rest for 5 minutes after cooking also helps retain their juices.
Make it a meal.
Here are a few things we like to serve cast iron pork chops with:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with the rich garlic and herb butter on the pork chops. Mashed sweet potatoes are good, too.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash.
- Green Beans: Sautรฉed green beans with pimentos and honey, plus some pecans to add a nice crunch.
- Fried Apples: A traditional accompaniment to pork chops!
- Salad: Caesar salad or Greek salad always makes a great side dish for these perfect pork chops. Or spice it up with a fried green tomato salad.
Storage Instructions
Cast Iron Pork Chops should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Other Cast Iron Recipes
Cast Iron Pork Chops
Need a 25 minute dinner idea? Cast Iron Pork Chops are perfectly seared and cooked with a rich garlic and herbs. They are ideal for busy weeknights or even a special weekend meal.
Servings 3
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 bone-in pork chops about 1/2-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted Butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish opIonal
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF. Dry pork chops with paper towels. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- If there is a significant amount of leftover oil in the skillet, carefully pour o๏ฌ most of it, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the skillet (about 1 tablespoon) to prevent the garlic and herbs from burning.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the garlic and herb butter over them to coat evenly. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145ยฐF).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. Serve the pork chops with the garlic and herb butter spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For 1 1/2-inch bone-in chops, total cooking time is 11 to 13 minutes.
- For 3/4-inch to 1-inch bone-in chops, total cooking time is 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add veggies! Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the skillet after searing the pork chops. Sautรฉ them with the garlic and herbs before transferring the skillet to the oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 137mg | Sodium: 930mg | Potassium: 614mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 254IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg
