A lot of people avoid cooking pork chops because they’re worried they’ll turn out dry or tough. But this boneless pan fried pork chops recipe takes out the guesswork, delivering foolproof results every time!
Quick cooking is the easiest way to keep the chops tender, while a butter baste at the end locks in moisture and layers on flavor. Pair them with green beans and a baked potato, and you’ve got an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
Gina’s Notes For Making Pan-Seared Pork Chops
These tender pork chops have the perfect golden brown sear and are packed with flavor from a few simple ingredients. All you have to do is season the chops and sear them in a skillet, so this recipe is great for beginners. I love how it only takes 10 minutes to prep, so it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute hosting. Since pork chops are an affordable cut of meat and the rest are basic pantry spices and herbs, this recipe won’t break the bank, either. To make things quicker, you can use a pre-made spice rub, or make a batch of my BBQ Coffee Dry Rub Recipe and add fresh herbs if you like!
Quick Recipe Tips Before You Get Started
Important prep tips before starting the recipe:
- Bring the pork chops to room temperature so they cook evenly. This should take around 15-20 minutes.
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will also help you get the best sear!
- A cast iron skillet works perfectly for this recipe since it retains heat well and will give a lovely sear on the outside of the pork chops.
Common Mistakes When Making This Recipe
- Cooking the chops at high heat can lead to burning and overcooking on the outside and undercooking the inside. Medium-high heat is best for the initial sear, while medium heat is best for cooking the inside.
Ingredient Tips
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Boneless pork chops: Look for chops that are an even thickness for consistent cooking. Thicker chops will take a little longer, while thinner chops may be done sooner.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the chops a warm, smoky flavor and great color. If you don’t have smoked, sweet paprika is a fine swap, just without the smokiness.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These simple spices make a great flavor base that won’t overwhelm the pork.
- Ghee or avocado oil: Both are high smoke point fats, meaning they handle high heat without burning. Ghee adds a slightly buttery flavor, while avocado oil keeps the flavor neutral.
- Butter: Used at the end to baste the chops and add richness and flavor. This is how the restaurants do it!
- Fresh thyme or dried thyme: Fresh sprigs work well for basting, but you can use dried thyme if that’s what you have on hand.
Ghee is a great choice for pan-frying pork chops because it has a much higher smoke point than butter, meaning it won’t burn as easily when searing. Unlike butter, ghee doesn’t contain milk solids, so you’ll avoid that scorched flavor and get a cleaner, more even browning. Plus, it adds a rich, slightly buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with savory pork seasonings. If you still want buttery flavor, sear in ghee and finish with a little butter and herbs at the end for the best of both worlds.
How To Make Boneless Pan Fried Pork Chops
Rub the Spices on the Meat
Season the pork chops on both sides with the seasoning blend. Make sure to rub it in, so the spices are evenly distributed!
Sear the Chops
Add the ghee to a hot skillet and sear the chops evenly on both sides. Make sure not to constantly flip the meat or they won’t get a good sear!
Add Butter and Herbs and Baste
Add the butter and herbs to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, use a spoon to baste it over the chops to keep them juicy!
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, skip the ghee and butter and just use avocado oil instead.
Flavor Enhancements: For a bit of kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend. A little goes a long way!
Simple Substitutions: If you want more flavor, you can swap boneless pork chops for bone-in pork chops. Keep in mind that the cooking time will be slightly longer.
Tips For Recipe Success: Once the pork chops reach 145ºF internally, pull them off the heat and allow them to rest. This will prevent overcooking and allow the juices to redistribute into the meat, producing super juicy chops.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let the pork chops thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- You don’t want to overcook the pork chops, so reheating them gently in a heavy skillet is the best way to go. You can even add some extra butter or ghee to prevent the chops from drying out.
Biblical Hospitality Tips For Serving Pork Chops
“Whom are your choices for? Not just for yourself… your choices become part of history.” – Edith Schaeffer
Share this recipe as a weeknight dinner solution that makes last-minute hosting joyful instead of stressful. These buttery, pan-fried pork chops are ideal for welcoming families into your home even when time is short.
- Hospitality as Ministry: God often uses small, faithful moments to build deep relationships. A simple dinner midweek can be an answered prayer to someone weary or feeling alone. Use this meal as a way to offer peace and encouragement to others.
- Fellowship Over Perfection: Your guests don’t need a Pinterest-worthy table, they need your presence. Set the table with what you have, serve what’s simple, and focus on connecting over conversation rather than critiquing your cooking.
- Prep-Ahead Tip: Mix the spice rub and prep your sides the morning of. Having everything ready to go lets you sear the pork chops right before guests arrive, filling your home with comforting aromas and giving you time to greet them warmly.
Hospitality in Action
Choose one night this week to invite a family or neighbor over for dinner—no fancy plans needed. Just a simple meal like these pork chops, and a willing heart to listen, share, and bless. Looking for conversation help? These Tips For Hosting A Dinner Party: What Are Good Conversation Starters? can make your dinner gathering even more meaningful.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Boneless Pan Fried Pork Chops
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops, boneless, about 1-inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoons ghee, or avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 springs fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried, crumbled
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Chops
- Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly. If there is excess fat be sure to trim it off too.4 pork chops
Seasoning
- Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl.1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with seasonings.
Cook The Pork Chops
- Heat a medium sized cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the ghee.1 tablespoons ghee
- Carefully place the pork chops in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side (Note* 3 to 4 minutes for thicker chops). Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Check for doneness: Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the chop.
Add Butter and Thyme
- Lower the heat to medium low. Add the butter and thyme sprigs to the skillet. As the butter melts use a spoon to drizzle the butter over the pork chops continuously for about 2 minutes.
Rest and Serve
- Transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat juicy.
Notes
Ghee is a great choice for pan-frying pork chops because it has a much higher smoke point than butter, meaning it won’t burn as easily when searing. Unlike butter, ghee doesn’t contain milk solids, so you’ll avoid that scorched flavor and get a cleaner, more even browning. Plus, it adds a rich, slightly buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with savory pork seasonings. If you still want buttery flavor, sear in ghee and finish with a little butter and herbs at the end for the best of both worlds. Recipe Tips:
- Do not overcook the pork chops, or they will become tough.
- Bring the pork chops to room temperature so they cook evenly. This should take around 30 minutes or so.
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will also help you get the best sear!
- A cast iron skillet works perfectly for this recipe since it retains heat well and will give a lovely sear on the outside of the pork chops.
