How to Pan Sear Pork Chops and Finish them in the Oven

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Learn how to make tender and juicy pork chops with minimal effort every time!
pork hops in a skillet with lemon slices

Tender pork chops are seared in a hot pan on top of the stove, then transferred to the oven for a delicious meal that takes minimal effort. Learn how to pan sear pork chops and finish in the oven to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy moist pork chops every time.

pork hops in a skillet with lemon slices

Gone are the days of cooking pork to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, leaner cuts such as pork tenderloin and pork chops taste better when cooked to a lower temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This method results in tender juicy pork chops.

Why you will🤍this recipe

  • It’s an easy and customizable recipe made with simple ingredients that can be adapted to your taste.
  • Flavor! This recipe produces perfect pork chops every time.
A picture of the ingredients for pork chops recipe

Here is what you will need

This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this delicious pork chops recipe; scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions.

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🛒Ingredients

  • Avocado oil
  • Boneless pork chops
  • Sea salt or kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Thyme
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic

🥄Equipment

  • Heavy large skillet such as a cast iron skillet

How to pan-sear pork chops and finish in the oven

Prepare: Use a paper towel to pat the pork chops dry. Measure the seasonings, mince or crush the garlic. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees f.

Season the pork chops with meat with salt, pepper and onion powder.

Once the skillet is hot, add the pork chops to the hot skillet and sear for about 2 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown. Flip the chops over ad rub them with the crushed garlic.

pork chops in skillet one on a fork
two seared pork chops ready for the oven

Sear for 2 minutes longer, and top with fresh herbs, and citrus slices, or leave them plain.

Place the chops into the oven and bake until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 degrees f, which can take up to 20 minutes.

two seared pork chops ready for the oven

Note: Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops. Use a good meat thermometer like this instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this easy recipe; scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions.

Boneless pork chops -I prefer boneless chops, but bone-in pork chops will also work. Use chops (boneless or bone-in) that are at least 3/4 inch thick-cut pork chops. For juicier and more tender pork chops, it’s best to choose thick chops..

Please note that the cooking time will be longer if you use bone-in chops.

Seasonings – This is a recipe for plain and delicious seared pork chops. You can use any of your favorites to season the pork cops such as a simple dry rub, Cajun spices, Jerk seasoning.

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How long will leftover pan-seared pork chops last?

Leftover tender pork chops will last for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Leftover pork chops taste great sliced and tossed in a salad, sandwich or chopped up and added to an egg roll bowl.

two chops on a white plate with lemon wedges and thyme

Recipe variations

BBQ – brush on your favorite bbq sauce just before placing the pork chops into the oven

Garlic butter and lemon – Before removing the pork chops from the oven, pour 2 tablespoons melted butter with chopped garlic and a teaspoon or two of lemon juice.

Dijon Mustard sauce – Mix a few tablespoons of white wine with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and pour it over the chops just before removing the chops from the oven.

Fresh herbs and wine – Pour a half cup of white wine and a few sprigs of fresh herbs to the pan before baking the chops.

two cooked pork chops on a white platte

Serving suggestions

Serve these flavorful pork chops with a baked potato or roasted potatoes with leeks and green beans, roasted brussels sprouts or a salad for a simple and delicious dinner.

💡Tips for making the best pork chops

  • To ensure evenly cooked and tender chops, it’s recommended to take them out of the refrigerator 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
  • For the juiciest chops ever, let them rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
  • Sprinkle a few drops of water to check if the skillet is hot. The skillet is good to go if the water sizzles and dances.
What is the best skillet to use for pan searing?

The best way to get a good sear, a heavy skillet or a cast iron pan is the optimal choice. Not only does it provide an even cooking surface, but it also allows for a nice sear. Just be sure it is oven-proof if you plan to transfer the skillet to the oven after searing.

What is the best healthy oil to use to pan sear?

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is one of the best choices to pan-searing. It is a healthy fat, and has a mild flavor. The second choice is olive oil which has a slight flavor.

You might like these pork chop recipes

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pork hops in a skillet with lemon slices

How to Pan Sear Pork Chops and Finish in the Oven

Learn how to make tender and juicy pork chops with minimal effort every time!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Click on serving size to scale this recipe

Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pan sear pork chops
Servings: 2 People
Calories: 329kcal

Equipment

Scale this Recipe 2 People

Ingredients

  • 2 pork chops boneless, about 1/4 to 1/2 pound each
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • Lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare the ingredients: use a paper towel to pat the pork chops dry. Measure the seasonings, crush the garlic. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; preheat the oven to 375 degrees f.
  • Season the 2 pork chops with 1/8 teaspoon sea salt, 1/8 teaspoons black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
  • Add the seasoned chops to the skillet once it is hot and sear them until the exterior turns golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes).
  • Flip the chops over and rub 1 clove garlic crushed onto the chops. Sear the other side for another minute or two longer.
  • Add fresh herbs and lemon wedges to the pan if you are using them and place the pan into the oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees which can take up t 20 minutes, but start checking the temperature after 10 minutes in the oven.

Notes

This recipe serves 2 people and can easily be adjusted to 3 or more servings using the scale recipe option above. Cooking time will remain the same.
Serve pan-seared pork chops with baked or mashed potatoes, green beans and a salad. 
Store leftover pork chops in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.
See the article above for cooking tips, recipe variations and more.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pork chop | Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 645mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.03g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used

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