Cooking easy pork chop recipes for dinner can be so simple and delicious. I often make them when I need a quick meal that feels special without a lot of fuss. Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite quick pork chop dinner ideas that I know you’ll love for any weeknight.
These recipes are simple to follow and use everyday ingredients. Whether you like a classic pan-fried chop or something with a bit more sauce, you’ll find a tasty option here. Let’s get cooking!
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Quick Skillet Pork Chops
These skillet pork chops cook up fast and get a great sear. They are perfect for a quick, comforting meal any night.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- High Heat Sear: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the pork chops. This helps get a nice brown crust.
- Don’t Overcook: Pork chops can dry out quickly. Cook them just until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for best results.
- Resting Time: Let the cooked pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps them juicy.
What You Need
- 2 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat your pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This is important for getting a good sear. Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Sear the Pork
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet. Sear them for 3-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and have a nice crust.
Step 3: Finish Cooking and Rest
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the pork chops for another 2-4 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
For extra flavor, add a pat of butter and a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the pan during the last minute of cooking.
Easy Soy Garlic Pork Chops
These soy garlic pork chops have a sweet and salty glaze everyone enjoys. They bring amazing flavor to your dinner plate with little effort.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: Letting the pork chops sit in the soy garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes makes a big difference in taste.
- Reduce the Sauce: Don’t throw away the extra marinade! Cook it down in the pan to create a thick, delicious glaze to serve over your chops.
- Serve with Rice: These pork chops pair wonderfully with plain white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
What You Need
- 2 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Marinate the Pork Chops
In a shallow dish or zip-top bag, mix together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and ginger (if using). Add the pork chops, making sure they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Chops
Remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (save the marinade!). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned and cooked through to 145°F (63°C).
Step 3: Make the Glaze
Remove the cooked pork chops from the skillet and set aside to rest. Pour the reserved marinade into the hot skillet. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens into a glaze. Pour this glaze over the rested pork chops before serving.
📝 Final Note
You can also bake these pork chops instead of pan-frying. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.