These juicy pork chops are full of flavor and are super easy to make! With a tasty blend of spices and a nice sear, they will remind you of your favorite Texas Roadhouse meal.
Honestly, you can whip these up in no time! Pair them with some mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, and you’ve got yourself a delicious dinner that feels fancy but is a breeze to prepare!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops will work too, but adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster.
Spices: The combination of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder is key to delicious seasoning. You can swap smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or use fresh garlic if you prefer it over garlic powder.
Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but add a bit of heat. If you want it milder, simply leave them out or use a pinch of black pepper instead.
Butter: Butter enhances flavor and helps with browning. If you want a healthier option, you can use olive oil throughout, but I find butter gives a nice finish.
How Do You Achieve a Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Getting a good sear on your pork chops is all about temperature and timing. Here are some tips to get that beautiful golden crust.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chops. This helps lock in moisture and keeps the meat juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If they touch, they won’t brown well. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. 145°F (63°C) is perfect for juiciness.
Following these tips, your pork chops will turn out beautifully every time! Enjoy your meal with sides like broccoli or mashed potatoes for a complete dish.
Easy Texas Roadhouse Style Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
- BBQ sauce or gravy for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 25 minutes. This means you’ll have delicious Texas Roadhouse-style pork chops ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. This spice blend is what will give your pork chops great flavor!
2. Season Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry using a paper towel. This helps the spice rub stick better and gives you a nice sear. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly on both sides of each pork chop, pressing gently to make sure it sticks.
3. Preheat Pan:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking. A hot pan is essential for that delicious crust!
4. Sear Pork Chops:
Carefully place the pork chops into the hot pan, being sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. You want to see nice grill marks and the edges starting to brown—this means they’re getting all that wonderful flavor!
5. Flip and Add Butter:
Gently turn the pork chops over. Now, add the butter to the pan. As it melts, spoon the melted butter over the pork chops while they cook on the second side for another 4-5 minutes. This adds richness and keeps them juicy.
6. Check Doneness:
To make sure they’re perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. Once they’re done, remove them from the heat.
7. Rest:
Transfer the pork chops to a plate and loosely cover them with foil. Let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in the meat, making each bite tender and delicious.
8. Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh thyme or parsley if you like. Serve your juicy pork chops with Texas Roadhouse-style BBQ sauce, gravy, or your favorite sides like steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Now sit back and enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse-style pork chops! They are sure to impress your family and friends.
FAQ for Easy Texas Roadhouse Style Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-in?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless pork chops! Just be aware that boneless chops typically cook faster, so check for doneness a minute or two earlier than the recipe suggests.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to retain moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Dried Thyme?
If you don’t have dried thyme, you can use dried rosemary or oregano as a substitute. Fresh herbs work too; just use about three times the amount since they are less concentrated.
Can I Make These Pork Chops Spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for more heat, or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice mix if you like a little kick.
