If you’re looking for simple, delicious pork chop recipes, you’ve come to the right place! I know finding easy dinner ideas can be a challenge, but pork chops are always a great choice for a quick and satisfying meal. They are so versatile and really can be prepared in many different ways.
I’ve put together three of my favorite pork chop recipes that are perfect for any night of the week. From juicy brined chops to creamy slow cooker options, you’ll find something here to love. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Pork Chop Brine For Juicy Tender Meat
- 2. Easy Savory Lemon Butter Pork Chops Recipe
- 3. Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops With Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Easy Pork Chop Brine For Juicy, Tender Meat
Ever wonder how restaurants get their pork so juicy? It all starts with a simple brine.
This method makes your pork chops perfectly tender and full of flavor every time you cook them.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Brining Pork Chops
- Salt Ratio: Use the right salt-to-water ratio for a perfect brine; too much salt can actually dry out the meat.
- Brining Time: Don’t brine for too long, especially for thinner chops, to prevent them from becoming overly salty.
- Cold Water: Always use cold water for your brine to keep the pork at a safe temperature while it soaks.
What You Need for Brined Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
⏱️ Time: 30 mins prep, 4-8 hrs brining🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Brined Pork Chops
Step 1: Make the Brine Mixture
In a large container, mix the cold water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Stir well until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
Step 2: Brine the Pork Chops
Place your pork chops into the brine, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the container and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours.
Step 3: Prepare for Cooking
Remove the chops from the brine and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to wash off excess salt. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before cooking them as you normally would.
📝 Final Note on Brining
Always pat your pork chops completely dry after brining; this helps them get a nice sear when you cook them, leading to a better crust.
Easy Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops Recipe
These lemon butter pork chops are quick to make and full of bright, fresh flavors.
You’ll love how simple it is to get a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Lemon Butter Chops
- Fresh Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor; bottled juice isn’t the same and can taste artificial.
- High Heat Sear: Get your pan hot enough to create a good golden sear on the pork chops before adding the sauce ingredients.
- Basting: Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the chops as they cook; this keeps them moist and infuses more flavor.
What You Need for Lemon Butter Pork Chops
- 2 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 mins🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Lemon Butter Pork Chops
Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops
Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and let it warm through.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chops are cooked through. Stir in fresh parsley and serve immediately.
📝 Final Note on Doneness
A meat thermometer is your friend for perfectly cooked pork; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for juicy chops.
Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Let your slow cooker do all the hard work for these incredibly tender pork chops.
The creamy garlic parmesan sauce makes them a comfort food favorite everyone will ask for again and again.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Slow Cooker Chops
- Searing First: Briefly searing the pork chops before slow cooking adds a lot of depth to their flavor and texture.
- Garlic Type: Freshly minced garlic works best for the sauce; it brings a much stronger flavor than garlic powder.
- Cheese Quality: Use good quality Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for the best sauce. Pre-shredded can sometimes be gritty.
What You Need for Slow Cooker Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 15 mins prep, 4-6 hrs slow cook🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chops
Season pork chops with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chops for about 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Place them into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion until it’s soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pour the creamy sauce over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chops are very tender. Stir in the Parmesan cheese just before serving.
📝 Final Note on Serving
Serve these creamy pork chops over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious garlic parmesan sauce.
