How to Cook Thin Pork Chops
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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 it off with a luscious honey garlic butter!
For more delicious ways to prepare pork chops, look at this baked pork chops recipe, or get saucy with this smothered pork chops dinner.
Rich and savory pork chops make an effortless weeknight dinner that wins the hearts of the whole family. When pork chops are cooked well, they offer a satisfying bite that is both tender and slightly chewy. Beyond their flavor, pork chops are an affordable protein source with the added bonus of having a quick cooking time, making it a hassle-free and delicious dinner!
Ingredients needed
Seasoned, cooked, then served with a dollop of honey garlic butter ā does it get any better than that? This is what you need:
- Thin pork chops:Ā Use pork chops that are Ā½ to 1 inch thick.
- From the spice rack: Sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar make a well balanced and delicious seasoning.
- Cooking oil:Ā Keeps it moist and prevents sticking.
- Honey garlic butter: Butter, parsley, honey, and garlic combine to make the perfect finishing touch.
How to cook thin pork chops on the stove
Here are the instructions on how to cook thin pork chops so they are lightly charred, yet still tender and juicy inside:
- Prep butter and spices: While your cooking element heats up, mix the honey garlic butter ingredients together in a bowl. Next, mix the spices together in a small bowl.
- Prep the pork: Pat dry the thin pork chops, sprinkle the spice rub on both sides, and then drizzle oil on top and spread it around with your fingers. Put them, oiled side down, into a cold cast-iron frying pan.
- Cook the pork: Place the skillet on the hot element and wait until you hear a sizzle. When you do, press the pork chops into the pan then leave them to cook until they're almost done ā just 4-5 minutes. Then flip and let them sizzle for another minute.
- Rest and enjoy: Let them rest for a few minutes before serving them with the honey garlic butter on top.
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 ā label them so you can track the date.
Reheating:Ā
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 ā 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!
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. For a lower carb version, make cauliflower mashed potatoes.
Round out the meal with a boost of nutrition from a side dish with some vegetables or salads. This roasted broccoli and carrots work perfectly, or sautƩ some green beans. We also like thin pork chops with buttered peas and carrots. Make a side salad like this autumn quinoa salad or a blue cheese coleslaw.
Recipe FAQs
What pork should I use?
Many supermarkets will typically offer thin pork chops, ranging from Ā½ inch to 1 inch in thickness. Look for thin pork chops with marbling. In case you cannot find thin cuts, purchase the thicker ones and then cut them in half. The easiest way to do this is to partially freeze them before cutting. Rib chops retain moisture well.
Can I use other seasonings?
Sure! The seasoning we suggest results in a well-balanced blend, but feel free to customize it to your preferences. Our next picks are rosemary with dijon mustard, or some soy sauce with ginger, or combine lemon and thyme.
How long to cook thin pork chops on the stove?
Once your pork starts sizzling, push it into the pan. Leave it for four to five minutes, until the sides are opaque but the top still has some red. Flip the pork chops over, then let them cook for another minute.
More pork chop recipes
How to Cook Thin Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 thin pork chops ā 3 ounces each (see notes)
- Ā½ teaspoon EACH: sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 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.Ā½ teaspoon EACH: sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and sugar
- Dry the thin pork chops with paper towels and then sprinkle the spices evenly over both sides.4 thin pork chops ā 3 ounces each
- 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 ā 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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our pork chop recipes!
Delicious! I was worried that it was taking too long for the sides to appear cooked, and then when I flipped it, I thought I’d burned the edges, but the chops were still juicy, and we loved the spice mix. (Used garlic pepper and onion salt instead of those four flavors separately, and I left the garlic & parsley out of the honey butter.)
The tips on how to handle thin pork chops were amazing; the pork chops were like butter!!
My family loved these! They were quick, easy, tasty and looked exactly like your photo!
Pork chops always turn out dry when I cook them so I had given up on them. But they were on sale yesterday so I thought Iād give them another go. Tried your recipe and and so glad I did. They turned out perfectly! My husband and kids even asked me to make them again. This is the only recipe Iāll use from now on!
Thanks so much! Great seasonings and instructions for preparation. Delicious and quick.