How to Cook Thin Pork Chops (with delicious honey garlic butter)
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These thin pork chops are quick, affordable, and cooked with my cold-pan method that keeps them juicy and tender every time. A simple honey garlic butter melts over the top for a sweet-savory finish that makes them feel a little special.
These thin pork chops are one of my favorite answers to the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question. They’re quick, affordable, and incredibly easy to make, yet they still feel like a proper home-cooked meal.
If you’ve ever ended up with dry, overcooked pork chops, my fix is the cold-pan method, and it’s the whole secret here. Instead of preheating the pan, you lay the chops in a cold pan with the butter and turn the heat on underneath. As the pan slowly comes up to temperature, the thin chops cook gently and evenly rather than seizing up and drying out the second they hit screaming-hot metal. It sounds backward, but it’s what keeps them so juicy and tender, and once you’ve done it a couple of times, you’ll have a reliable way to cook thin pork chops perfectly every time. If you’re after more ways to cook pork, my pork recipe collection has plenty of inspiration.
The rest is refreshingly simple. A quick blend of pantry spices adds plenty of flavor, and a honey garlic butter melts over the top for 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
Store: If you have leftovers, let the pork chops cool to room temperature first. Store them in an covered container in the fridge for up to four days.
Freeze: To freeze, wrap the cooled pork chops tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Label the bag with the date so you can keep track. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat in the oven, cover the pork chops with foil and warm them in a preheated 325°F oven just until heated through. On the stovetop, reheat over medium heat, turning until warmed through. Either way, adding a little moisture keeps them from drying out, so pour in a splash of broth, a spoonful of sauce, or some of that honey garlic butter as they warm. Check that they reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. Or skip the reheating altogether and slice them thinly to serve 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.
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.
Best chops ever! Quick easy and juicy. I used duBreton organic chops: these were great. Juicy and flavorful. Used cast iron.
That cast iron sear is exactly what gets you juicy chops with a great crust, and starting with quality duBreton chops never hurts. So glad these were the best ever for you. Quick, easy, and juicy is the dream weeknight combo. 😋
Thanks! The recipe was Easy and Delicious!!
Easy and delicious is exactly what I like to hear! So glad it was a hit. Thanks for the note. ♥
Thanks for the recipe! I used ‘hot honey’ i had in the fridge for the honey garlic butter. Also added 1/4 tsp of ground mexican oregano to the dry rub. I like the garlic/oregano flavors on pork.
They turned out great. Next time I might hit them with a quick squeeze of fresh lime juice after they rest…
Hot honey instead of the garlic butter is such a good idea, that little kick of heat with the sweetness would be so good on pork. And Mexican oregano with the garlic is a perfect pairing. The squeeze of lime after they rest sounds like the finishing touch that would tie it all together. Let me know how it goes next time. 🍯
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. 🍴✨