I know you’re always looking for delicious, easy ways to cook pork chops, and I am too! Pork chops are a fantastic option for any meal, whether you’re grilling outside or pan-frying on a busy weeknight. They are quick to cook and can take on so many wonderful flavors.
Today, I’ve gathered three of my favorite, super simple pork chop recipes. These are the ones I turn to again and again because they deliver great taste without a lot of fuss. Get ready to enjoy some truly amazing pork chop dishes!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Grilled Pork Chop Marinade Recipe
This easy marinade will help you get tender, flavorful grilled pork chops every time. It adds so much delicious taste and helps keep your chops wonderfully juicy.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Grilled Pork Chops
- Acid Component: A small amount of vinegar or citrus juice in your marinade helps to tenderize the meat without actually cooking it.
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, let your pork chops sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. You can go up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for even more taste.
What You Need for Marinade
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Grilled Pork Chops with Marinade
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are well mixed and smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Chops
Place your pork chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over them, making sure each chop is fully covered. Put this in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours.
Step 3: Grill Them Up
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chops out of the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Grill them for about 4-7 minutes per side, depending on how thick they are, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for a bit before you slice them.
📝 Final Note
Resting the grilled pork chops for 5-10 minutes after cooking is important. It helps keep the juices locked inside, which makes them much more tender and flavorful when you eat them.
Easy Juicy Boneless Pork Chops Recipe
This recipe will show you exactly how to cook boneless pork chops so they are always tender and moist. You can say goodbye to dry, tough pork chops for good!
Key Ingredients & Tips for Juicy Chops
- Brining: A quick brine (even just 15-30 minutes in salted water) can make a big difference in keeping your chops juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t Overcook: Boneless pork chops cook very quickly. Watch the internal temperature closely to hit 145°F (63°C) and avoid any dryness.
What You Need for Juicy Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for pan sauce)
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Juicy Boneless Pork Chops
Step 1: Season the Chops
Pat your boneless pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Make sure they are evenly coated for a delicious flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Sear Them Perfectly
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Finish Cooking
Add the butter to the skillet, letting it melt around the chops. If your chops are thicker than 1 inch, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For thinner chops, you might just finish them on the stovetop over lower heat.
📝 Final Note
If you’d like a quick pan sauce, after removing the chops, add 1/4 cup of chicken broth to the hot skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and let it simmer for a minute until it slightly thickens. Pour over your chops!
