How to Cook Bone In Pork Chops
Ever wondered How to Cook Bone In Pork Chops so they turn out juicy and full of flavor? This recipe makes it super easy! With a simple seasoning mix and a few easy steps, you’ll be making pork chops that are tender inside with a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for any night of the week, these seasoned pork chops are sure to become a new favorite!
If you’re into Air Frying Pork Chops, then check out our Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops.
Save this Recipe for later!
We'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it!
Ever found yourself staring at a pack of bone-in pork chops at the grocery store and wondering how to cook them just right? We’ve all been there. Bone-in pork chops can be a little intimidating because you want them juicy and flavorful, not dry or tough. The good news? It’s easier than you think to get that perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. If you’re looking for another How To recipe, check this out: How To Cook Flat Iron Steak.
Why This Recipe Works:
What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients—just a handful of spices you probably already have in your pantry, and you’re good to go. The bone in the pork chop actually helps to keep the meat juicy, and with the right cooking method, you’ll get a beautiful crust on the outside without drying out the inside. These chops pair wonderfully with Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter
What you’ll love about this Pork Chops Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Bone-In Pork Chops Recipe:
- Bone-in pork chops- I used bone-in pork chops, 1/2-inch thick
- Avocado oil
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Bone-In Pork Chops: Using bone-in pork chops helps retain moisture, ensuring they stay juicy while cooking. The bone also adds extra flavor to the meat.
- Seasoning Blend: A mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs creates a flavorful crust on the pork chops without overpowering the natural taste of the meat.
- Avocado Oil: Helps to sear the pork chops, giving them a nice, golden-brown crust. Vegetable oil works just as well.
HOW TO COOK BONE IN PORK CHOPS STEP-BY-STEP:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
STEP 1: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
STEP 2: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
STEP 3: Generously coat both sides of each pork chop with the seasoning blend, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
STEP 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
STEP 5: Place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet.
STEP 6: Cook on one side until a golden-brown crust forms, then flip and cook on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
STEP 7: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
PRO TIP:
When cooking bone-in chops, there are a few simple tricks to ensure your chops turn out juicy and flavorful every time. Start by bringing your chops to room temperature to promote even cooking. After patting the chops dry with a paper towel, season them with the dry rub mix below. This helps create a golden brown crust when you sear them in a hot pan or a cast-iron skillet instead of a nonstick skillet. To get the best results, make sure to use an instant read thermometer or a digital meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145°F. Once they’re cooked through, let the pork rest on a clean plate to lock in the juices.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftover pork chops in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave on low power.
Freezing: Wrap the chops individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating..
Additions & Substitutions
ADDITIONS:
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the pork chops just before serving for a bright, tangy finish.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Add this for a little kick!
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Pork Chops: Use Boneless pork chops, just adjust cooking times according to the thickness of the chops. Thick chops will need more time.
- Vegetable Oil: Substitute with olive oil or avocado oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Seasoning Blend: Feel free to adjust the seasoning blend to your taste, or try using a favorite store-bought spice mix for convenience.
For Oven Baked Bone In Pork Chops:
For juicy, flavorful baked bone-in pork chops, start by seasoning and searing them in a cast iron pan. Preheat your oven to 375°F and transfer the chops to an oven-safe skillet or a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 145°degrees F, using an instant-read thermometer to check. Let the chops rest under foil before serving with your favorite side dishes like roasted sweet potatoes. This method ensures perfectly cooked pork chops every time!
FAQs about this Bone-In Pork Chops Recipe:
What Can I Serve with these Pork Chops?
These Cajun Pork Chops are versatile and pair well with sour cream mashed potatoes, parmesan green beans, or a simple salad. For something heartier, try them with mac and cheese, or cheesy noodles. They also go great with rice or a baked potato.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to learn how to cook bone in pork chops! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!
How to Cook Bone In Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 3 bone-in pork chops 1/2-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Spice Mix:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all of the spice ingredients together.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Generously coat both sides of each pork chop with the spice mix, pressing it in to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
- Flip the pork chops and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove from heat and let the pork chops rest for 3 minutes before serving.
