How to Cook Thin Pork Chops (with delicious honey garlic butter)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Wondering how to cook thin pork chops so they’re caramelized on the outside but still tender and juicy? We’ve got the secrets! This recipe seasons the pork chops with a spice blend made from common kitchen staples, then finishes them off with a luscious honey garlic butter!
These thin pork chops are one of my favorite answers to the question, “What’s for dinner?” They’re quick, affordable, and incredibly easy to make, yet they still feel like a proper home-cooked meal. The cold-pan cooking method keeps them juicy and tender, while a simple honey garlic butter melts over the top for a finishing touch that makes them feel extra special.
If you’ve struggled with dry or overcooked pork chops in the past, this recipe is a great place to start. Once you learn this technique, you’ll have a reliable way to cook thin pork chops perfectly every time. And if you’re looking for more ways to cook pork, be sure to browse my pork recipe collection for plenty of inspiration.
The ingredient list is refreshingly simple. A quick seasoning blend made from pantry spices adds plenty of flavor, while the honey garlic butter brings a sweet-savory richness that pairs beautifully with the pork. Served with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a simple salad, it’s the kind of easy weeknight dinner you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
Storing and reheating instructions
Storing:
If you have leftovers, let the pork chops cool to room temperature before storing them. If you plan to dive back into them in the following day or two, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you are freezing them, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil before putting them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months – label them so you can track the date.
Reheating:
If frozen, let the pork chops thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat them in the oven, pop them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover with foil and heat just until they are warmed through. To reheat pork chops on the stovetop, cook over medium heat and turn them until warmed through. You can add moisture while reheating to prevent dryness – add some broth, a sauce, or the honey garlic butter. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.
Or simply slice them thinly and serve them cold over a salad or in a sandwich!
How to Cook Thin Pork Chops (with delicious honey garlic butter)
Ingredients
- 4 thin pork chops (see notes)
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Honey Garlic Butter
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon finely minced parsley
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 small garlic clove (very finely minced)
Instructions
- Turn your cooking element to medium-high and let it heat up while you get your pork chops ready. (If you have a gas or induction cooktop, wait until you're ready to put the pan on the element before turning it on.) In a small bowl, mix the honey garlic butter ingredients until they are well combined.1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon finely minced parsley, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 small garlic clove
- Mix the spices together in a small bowl.½ teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon sugar
- Dry the thin pork chops with paper towels and then sprinkle the spices evenly over both sides.4 thin pork chops
- Drizzle the oil over the top of the pork chops and use your fingers to spread it around. Place the pork chops, oiled side down, into a cold frying pan – cast iron works great.1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Place the frying pan onto the hot element and wait until you hear them start to sizzle. Once they do, press them gently into the pan. Cook the pork chops without moving them for 4-5 minutes, until they look nearly cooked. They will be opaque all the way up the sides and just a bit red on top.
- Flip the nearly cooked pork chops over and finish cooking for 1 minute on the other side. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes and then serve them with a dab of the honey garlic butter on top.
Last step:
- After you make this recipe, take a picture with your phone and share it in the comments section below. I love seeing it when you make my recipes!
Equipment Used
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
What to serve with thin pork chops
Pork and potatoes are a match made in heaven! Make sour cream and chive mashed potatoes, roasted crispy potatoes, or sweet potato wedges. Round out the meal with some vegetables or salads. This roasted broccoli and carrots work perfectly, or sauté some green beans.
Thanks for the recipe! Turned out great! I took a pic of my smaller piece and they both had a little burn in the edges but it was like it was grilled. Timed it at 5 min but maybe a little shorter next time even tho it was moist. Loved the honey garlic butter!
Those slightly charred edges are honestly the best part, kind of like getting the grill marks without the grill! Good call on pulling it a touch earlier next time. So glad the honey garlic butter won you over! 😊
Delish. My family likes pork chops. I do not. They loved this and I think it was pretty good too. Can’t wait to try the French onion pork chops!
I love this review 😄 Converting even a reluctant pork chop eater into a “pretty good too” is a win in my book. So glad your family loved it, and I hope the French onion pork chops are a huge hit for you too!
Delicious! Super easy and cheap to make. Bookmarking it to make in the future!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Easy, delicious, and budget-friendly is such a great combo. Thanks so much for making it and for the sweet note!
These chops turned super tender and full of flavor
I’m so glad to hear that! 😊 Tender and full of flavor is exactly what I’m going for. Thanks so much for making it and leaving a note!
Easy enough recipe that created the best tasting pork chops I ever ate! 2 thumbs up. 👍 👍
That’s such a compliment — thank you! I’m so glad they turned out to be the best pork chops you’ve had. Two thumbs up right back at you for giving the recipe a try! 👍👍
Easy, Tasty and not dry at all. The honey garlic butter was a nice addition. Cooked on cast iron.
Aw, I’m so happy you loved it! Cast iron is such a great choice, and I’m glad the honey garlic butter hit the spot. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a note — it means a lot. 💛
Good flavors but still a dry pork chop and I did slightly less time than instructed. I’ll try again at lower temp.
Thanks for sharing that — I really appreciate the honest feedback. Pork chops can be so finicky, and thickness (and even the cut) can make a big difference. Trying a slightly lower temp next time is a great idea, and pulling them as soon as they hit doneness can help keep them juicy. I hope your next round turns out exactly how you want it, and thanks again for giving the recipe a try.
Made this last night and it was delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for giving the recipe a try and sharing your kind feedback. 🍴✨