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Hey, friends!
Are you craving something juicy and delicious? I’ve got the perfect recipe for you!
Today, I’m sharing my favorite way to make pan-fried thick-cut pork chops.
They’re crispy on the outside and oh-so-tender on the inside.
Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing your friends at a gathering.
Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!

Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For a leaner option, boneless pork loin chops can replace bone-in pork chops. Reduce cooking time slightly and monitor closely to prevent drying out. Turkey cutlets offer a poultry alternative with similar texture, requiring less cooking time. For a plant-based version, thick-cut cauliflower steaks can be used, though cooking methods will need adjustment. Extra virgin olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil for a higher smoke point, beneficial for high-heat pan frying. Salted butter can be replaced with ghee for a dairy-free option that maintains richness, or with additional oil for a completely dairy-free dish. These substitutions maintain the dish’s essence while accommodating various dietary needs and preferences.
Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
Total Time | 35-45 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 60-70 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 0-3 g
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in pork chops, 1.5 to 2 inches thick
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet
Add olive oil and butter to a large skillet, then place it over medium-high heat.
Allow the butter to melt and begin foaming to create a flavorful base for cooking the chops.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chops
Sprinkle half of the salt and pepper onto one side of the chops for initial seasoning.
As soon as the butter is ready, add the chops to the skillet with the seasoned side down.
Immediately, sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper on the other side of the chops.
Step 3: Cook the Chops
Turn the heat down to medium to ensure even cooking.
Let the chops sear for approximately 5 minutes on the first side.
Then, flip the chops over to the other side.
Continue cooking them on the second side for around 10 minutes.
Step 4: Final Cooking and Rest
Flip the chops once more and cook for an additional 5 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and nicely browned on both sides.
Once done, transfer the chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.
This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tenderness before serving.
Step 5: Serve
After resting, the chops are ready to serve.
Enjoy them with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.