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–+ servings

Skillet Pork Chops

Seasoned with smoked paprika and thyme, these Skillet Pork Chops are quick & easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 chops
Calories: 272kcal

Ingredients  

24+ hour ahead salting

  • 4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Skillet Pork Chops:

  • 4 thick pork chops
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt - omit if salting 24+ hours ahead
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper - or red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil or bacon dripping - for coating the skillet

Instructions

For the 24+ hours ahead salting:

  • Generously coat all sides of the pork chops with salt and seal them in a zippered bag or lidded dish.  Store in the fridge for 1-2 days.  When ready to marinate, rinse the excess salt off of the meat under cool tap water & pat them dry with paper towels.  Then proceed with the recipe.

For the Skillet Pork Chops:

  • Mix the seasonings for this Skillet Pork Chop in a small bowl, then sprinkle them evenly on all sides of the meat.  Cover the meat and let it marinate in the fridge for several hours or overnight if possible.
  • When ready to cook, heat up a skillet with olive oil or bacon drippings (my preference) to a medium high heat.  Place each of the pork chops in the pan and allow them to sear and brown on one side.  If the chops are over an inch thick, like mine in the photos, you will want to cover the pan to trap some heat in.  This will help to cook the interior more quickly without the outside burning. 
  • Turn the pork to brown the other side.  If needed, also turn onto the edges to sear them as well.  When fully cooked, remove from the pan and let rest for about 10 minutes before cutting.  My 2 inch thick chops took about 8-10 minutes on each side to cook to medium doneness.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Skillet Pork Chops
Amount per Serving
Calories
272
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
16
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
90
mg
30
%
Sodium
 
646
mg
28
%
Potassium
 
518
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
29
g
58
%
Vitamin A
 
310
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
15
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.