1-First Step: Prep and Season Start by taking your pork chops out of the refrigerator and seasoning both sides with salt to your taste. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, which helps them cook evenly and improves flavor. This initial rest is crucial as it allows the salt to penetrate the meat, setting the stage for tender pork chops that absorb the spices better.

2-Second Step: Mix the Spice Rub In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. This blend creates a flavorful coating that adds a nice crust during cooking. Once mixed, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture, then rub this spice mixture all over them for even coverage.

3-Third Step: Heat and Sear Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, which usually takes about a minute. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook them until golden brown on the first side, about 2 to 3 minutes. This searing step locks in juices and builds that desirable flavor on pork chops, so keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning.

4-Fourth Step: Flip and Finish Cooking Flip the pork chops to the other side and sear any fat edges until browned, which takes around 30 seconds. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let them cook for 6 to 12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Check doneness starting at 5 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook, adapting for thicker cuts if needed to keep pork chops moist and flavorful.

5-Fifth Step: Rest the Chops Transfer the cooked pork chops to a plate and loosely cover them with foil, letting them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender. Resting prevents the pork chops from drying out when you cut into them, so it’s a step you won’t want to skip for the best results.

6-Sixth Step: Make the Pan Sauce In the same skillet, add 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook until it’s reduced by half, stirring to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom. For dietary tweaks, use vegetable stock if you’re avoiding animal products while keeping the flavors intact for your pork chops.

7-Final Step: Finish and Serve Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon butter to make the sauce silky. Return the pork chops to the pan, spoon the sauce over them, or slice the chops and toss them in the sauce for even coating. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve right away for a warm, flavorful meal. This method ensures every bite of pork chops is juicy and full of taste, perfect for family dinners. For more pork chop variations, visit our bourbon BBQ meatloaf cupcakes for inspired ideas.