The 3 Pork Chop Recipes Our Family Actually Requests

Name: The 3 Pork Chop Recipes Our Family Actually Requests
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 cups ketchup; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

August 13, 2025

Recipes

Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! Pork chops are a weeknight dinner staple for a reason—they’re affordable, versatile, and cook up fast. But if you’re like me, you sometimes fall into a rut of making them the same way every time. Over the years, I’ve perfected a few recipes that have become go-to favorites, the kind my family actually requests by name. These three pork chop recipes are simple, packed with flavor, and will make you excited to cook pork chops again.

Pecan Crusted Pork Chops: A Southern-Inspired Dinner Recipe

Why I Love These Recipes

I’ve chosen these three recipes because they each offer a completely different flavor profile while still being incredibly easy to make. They all start with a simple pork chop, but with a few simple ingredients, they transform into something truly special. The secret to a great pork chop is not to overcook it! A quick sear and a gentle finish ensure the chops stay tender and juicy every time. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, sweet, or a little bit smoky, these recipes will have you covered.

1. Simple Garlic Butter Pork Chops

This recipe is my go-to when I want something fast and flavorful. It’s a classic for a reason—the combination of seared pork chops, garlic, and butter is a match made in heaven.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Pat the pork chops completely dry with a paper towel. Season them generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the pork chops in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until they have a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the pork chops. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and a meat thermometer reads 145°F.
Remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

This recipe is so simple and delicious, you’ll be making it on repeat. If you’re a fan of garlic and butter, you might also like my recipe for easy cheesy chicken sliders with marinara garlic butter.

2. Sweet and Tangy BBQ Pork Chops

This recipe is a perfect solution for when you’re craving that classic barbecue flavor without having to fire up the grill. The homemade BBQ sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, and it caramelizes beautifully on the chops.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt and black pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
Pour the sauce over the pork chops in the skillet. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and a meat thermometer reads 145°F.
Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

This recipe is a fantastic way to get a smoky, savory dinner on the table. For another delicious one-pan meal with a smoky flavor, you could also try my recipe for Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.

3. Savory Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Onions

This recipe is all about developing deep, savory flavor. The pork chops are seared and then simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce with caramelized onions, resulting in a tender and juicy meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they have a golden-brown crust. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized.
Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spoon. Bring the sauce to a simmer and stir in the dried thyme.
Return the pork chops to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and a meat thermometer reads 145°F.
Serve the pork chops hot with the caramelized onions and savory sauce.

This recipe is a fantastic way to get a comforting, hearty meal on the table. For another one-pot wonder, you could also try my recipe for Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.

Final Thoughts

These three pork chop recipes are a perfect example of how a simple cut of meat can be transformed into something spectacular. They’re all easy, delicious, and guaranteed to become new favorites in your home.

What’s your go-to pork chop recipe? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are delicious.