When you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal fuss, cast iron skillet pork chops are always a winner. This recipe delivers juicy, perfectly seared pork chops with a gorgeous golden crust and rich pan juices that taste like a restaurant-quality dish—right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re new to cast iron cooking or already in love with your skillet, this recipe is simple, reliable, and packed with savory goodness.
Cast iron skillets shine here because they hold heat incredibly well, helping you achieve that irresistible sear while keeping the inside tender. With just a few ingredients and a little technique, you can bring an impressive, comforting dinner to the table in under 30 minutes.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Servings: 2
- Yield: 2 pork chops
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in pork chops, 1 to 1½ inches thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- Optional: ¼ cup chicken broth for a quick pan sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents proper browning, so this step is key for a crisp, golden crust. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. - Heat the Skillet:
Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it warm for several minutes. A hot skillet is essential for a proper sear. - Sear the Pork Chops:
Add olive oil to the skillet. Once shimmering, carefully place the pork chops into the pan. Sear for 3–4 minutes without moving them until a deep golden crust forms. - Flip and Add Aromatics:
Flip the chops and reduce heat to medium. Add butter, smashed garlic, and herbs to the pan. Tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the melted butter over the chops for added richness. - Finish Cooking:
Continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For extra-thick chops, you may finish them in a 400°F oven for 5–8 minutes. - Rest the Chops:
Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite stays tender. - Optional Pan Sauce:
Add chicken broth to the hot skillet, scraping brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced, then spoon over the pork chops.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet—this causes steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
Pro-Tip:
If you want pork chops with a perfectly crisp sear and juicy, tender center, a quality cast iron skillet truly makes all the difference. Its superior heat retention creates that restaurant-style crust you simply can’t achieve with most other pans. If you don’t already own one—or if it’s time to upgrade to a skillet that heats more evenly and lasts for decades—now is the perfect moment. Investing in a great cast iron pan not only improves this recipe, but opens the door to countless other dishes like steaks, cornbread, roasted vegetables, and more. Ready to experience the difference? Click the button below to explore top-rated cast iron skillets on Amazon and find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Conclusion
Cast iron skillet pork chops are a go-to weeknight dinner that feel special without requiring complicated steps or ingredients. With a flavorful crust, tender interior, and the option to build a quick pan sauce, this recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys simple, satisfying meals. Once you've mastered this technique, you can easily customize your seasonings or add your own flavored sauces.
Whether you're cooking for two or planning a meal prep session, this recipe offers versatility, speed, and unbeatable flavor. Enjoy the ease of cast iron cooking—and the delicious results!
