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Best Juicy Pork Chops (You’d Never Guess Were Healthy!)

Written by Lacey Baier in Entrees
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Are you looking for the perfect pork chops recipe? These Best Juicy Pork Chops are easy to make and guaranteed to be moist and savory!

Are you looking for the perfect pork chops recipe? These Best Juicy Pork Chops are easy to make and guaranteed to be moist and savory!

I have to admit…I’m usually not that big a fan of pork chops.

Nothing against them personally — I just typically find them to be too dry, under-seasoned, tough, or bland.  Guess it’s more in the preparation than the actual chop.

Now, I do love my Rye-Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple-Thyme Pan Sauce recipe and there are a few restaurants we like where I will actually order the pork chops because of how well they are cooked, though this is rare.

When I cook my pork chops, I have a few requirements: (1) must be thick pork chops, (2) must be cooked on the stovetop in the skillet (3) must be bone-in, and (4) must be flavorful.

Simple and reasonable requirements, right?

I kid you not: these are the best pork chops ever.

You read right.  Best.  Ever.

We just had them and I can’t stop thinking about how good they were.  Perfectly juicy with a crunchy, flavorful coating.  The right amount of salt with a hint of garlic and some mild heat.  So.  Good.  Enjoy them with some Garlic Parmesan Green Beans and you have yourself a very tasty meal.

I think thick-cut chops are the only way to go, especially if they will be cooked in a skillet because you more easily ensure the chops will be juicy and succulent.

This recipe has revolutionized my beliefs in pork chops.  I now look forward to our next pork chop dinner (home-cooked, of course) because  I know I have a delicious and easy way to prepare them.  I now believe in the pork chop.  Hallelujah!  (Sorry, got a bit carried away there.  You’ll understand soon enough.)

Please try these.  I hope to make a believer out of you.

Overhead image of the ingredients for Best Juicy Pork Chops, including cayenne pepper, paprika, sea salt, pepper, bone-in pork chops, and organic butter.

TIPS FOR MAKING BEST JUICY PORK CHOPS

I want you to enjoy juicy pork chops just as much as I do, so I’ve compiled a few tips to make that happen!

  • Cook them on the stovetop: These are juicy on the inside and have a crunch on the outside. That makes them perfectly delicious. With a wonderful sear, they come out just right.
  • Let your chops reach room temperature: I take the pork chops out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before I plan to cook them. Bringing them to room temperature ensures an even cook throughout. 
  • Cover the chops in the flour mixture: I use healthy chickpea flour and dredge the pork chops with an even coating. The flour and seasonings add amazing flavor and crunch, too!
  • Don’t overcrowd the pork chops: For an evenly cooked and juicy pork chop, make sure they have lots of room in the pan and cook no longer than 4-5 minutes per side.
  • Use a thermometer if needed: I cook this pork chop recipe 4-5 minutes per side, but if you prefer, use a meat thermometer and watch for the chops to reach 145 degrees F. You may need to add or subtract a few minutes if your pork chops are extra thick, and if they vary a bit in size.

Overhead image of a glass bowl with ingredients including chickpea flour, arrowroot starch, paprika, sea salt, and cayenne pepper being whisked in preparation for Best Juicy Pork Chops.

HOW TO MAKE BEST JUICY PORK CHOPS

I’ve given you a few tips, and now I will give you the steps to making the best juicy pork chops ever:

Ingredients:

  • 2 center-cut thick cut, bone-in pork chops
  • Chickpea flour
  • Arrowroot starch
  • Sea salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Organic, grass-fed unsalted butter

Method:

  • Pat the chops dry and coat them with sea salt and ground black pepper. I like to use lots!
  • Make the flour mixture containing chickpea flour, arrowroot starch, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
  • Heat the butter in a large skillet. I use medium-high heat.
  • Dredge the pork chops in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. Add to the pan, taking care to not overcrowd.
  • Cook 4-5 minutes per side. They are done when nicely golden brown and the juices run clear when the chops are pierced with a fork.

Overhead image of a hand holding a pork chop and coating it in the flour mixture which is on a white plate.

HOW TO MAKE A HEALTHY PORK CHOPS COATING

For this recipe, I use chickpea flour for a healthy pork chops coating. Why do I choose this flour?

Arrowroot starch is also a good choice in this mixture, with vitamins, potassium, and fiber a few of the good things found in it. Both chickpea flour and arrowroot starch are gluten-free. Check the packaging when purchasing to make sure these ingredients are not made in a facility that may contaminate the ingredients with gluten.

Overhead image of a black skillet containing two cooked Best Juicy Pork Chops.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT BEST JUICY PORK CHOPS

I store these best juicy pork chops (on the rare occasion there are leftovers!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. I place the chops in a glass dish—and this is when overcrowding is a good thing—adding 1 tablespoon of water or broth per pork chop. Cover with foil, place in the oven, and reheat between 15-25 minutes. Check them often, as every oven is different!

WHAT SIDES TO SERVE WITH PORK CHOPS

This is my favorite pork chop recipe done in the skillet and I’m happy to share it with you so you can enjoy chops, too. Here are a few of my favorite sides:

Overhead image of two cooked Best Juicy Pork Chops being served on a white plate, which is on a white linen napkin.

MORE HEALTHY PORK RECIPES

I bet now that you’ve made these and had great success, you’ll want more fabulous pork recipes. Here they are!

4.79 from 14 votes
Are you looking for the perfect pork chops recipe? These Best Juicy Pork Chops are easy to make and guaranteed to be moist and savory!
Print
Best Juicy Pork Chops (You’d Never Guess Were Healthy!)
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Are you looking for the perfect pork chops recipe? These best juicy pork chops are easy to make and guaranteed to be moist and savory!

Categories: Easy Dinner
Difficulty: Easy
Keyword: best pork chop recipe ever, best pork chop recipe in the world, best pork chops
Servings: 2
Calories: 436 kcal
Author: A Sweet Pea Chef
Ingredients
  • 2 center-cut thick cut, bone-in pork chops
  • 1/2 cup chickpea flour
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
  • 2 tsp sea salt plus more to coat chops
  • 2 tsp ground black pepper plus more to coat chops
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp organic, grass-fed unsalted butter
Instructions

  1. Pat chops dry and generously coat with sea salt and ground black pepper.

  2. Combine chickpea flour, arrowroot starch, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish.

  3. Heat butter over medium-high heat in large skillet until hot.

  4. Dredge chops, individually, into seasoned flour mixture to entirely coat and then shake off excess. Add chops to hot pan, careful not to overcrowd. Cook 4-5 minutes per side or until nicely golden brown. Test the chop by poking with a fork to make sure the juices run clear. Be careful not to overcook the chops, as this will make them dry and chewy.
  5. Drain on plate lined with paper towels. Serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts
Best Juicy Pork Chops (You’d Never Guess Were Healthy!)
Amount Per Serving (1 chop)
Calories 436 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 147mg49%
Sodium 2425mg101%
Potassium 688mg20%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 37g74%
Vitamin A 724IU14%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 52mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.

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Lacey Baier

Hey there! I’m Lacey Baier and I’d like to welcome you! I’m a healthy lifestyle influencer and the creator of this clean-eating blog and YouTube channel, as well as cleanish, my clean-eating supplement brand. My recipes have been published on Food Network, Good Morning America, FoxNews, Tastemade, Fitness Magazine, and much more. I live in Austin, Texas with my husband and four kiddos. Let’s get started!

60 thoughts on “Best Juicy Pork Chops (You’d Never Guess Were Healthy!)”

  2. 5 stars
    I have been making these for the last 3 years and every time they are a hit with everyone. My husband’s favorite!!!!!

  3. 5 stars
    Ive been making these pork chops for several years and totally agree, they are the best I’ve ever tasted, bar none. The only problem is the grease splattering makes such a mess on my stove top, even when I’ve used a screen cover on the pan. Have you ever tried to replicate this recipe by cooking the chops in the oven?

  4. 5 stars
    These are the best ever. I have been making them for over a year now and my husband raves about them.

  6. My husband has NEVER enjoyed pork chops. I made these and he flipped out over them. The subtle crustlike coating was just perfect. The seasonings didn’t take over, they just enhanced the flavor. They weren’t tough either. Just plain good! And I NEVER comment like this. True story!

  7. 4 stars
    I loved it at first but honestly after about 10 minutes it loses its moisture. but even though it does just add some sauce and it is perfect. overall the is a great recipe that i think you will love

  8. 4 stars
    I loved it at first but honestly after about 10 minutes it loses its moisture. but even though it does just add some sauce and it is perfect. overall the is a great recipe that i think you will love

  10. 5 stars
    Wonderful! Better than any restaurant served pork chops that I have ever had and I have had some good ones. Throw out all of your other pork chop recipes. This is the one!

  11. 5 stars
    I have never had any luck with pork chops. This was so delicious – it was first time I tried brining. I guess it really works! Fantastic results!

  12. 5 stars
    These were fabulous! We just butchered a Berkshire pig, so we have lots and lots of pork chops! I’m sure I will use this recipe on many, many of them. The flour and corn starch mixture makes such a beautiful crust and the mixture of spices is perfect! Thank you for sharing!

  13. 5 stars
    I’m so thankful I came across the recipe tonight! I was going to bake them, which typically turn out dry. This by far was one of the most simplest, yet the most delicious pork chops I’ve made yet! Thank you for sharing.

  14. I made this this evening for 3 boys that sAid ” oh no, I don’t like pork chops” who then promptly tasted, smiled and wolfed done the lot !
    Perfect flavours ! Thank you do much !

  15. I have made pork chops for years, in every way you can think of. Baked, grilled, smoked, fried, stuffed, you name it, I’ve made it. I don’t know what it is about this relatively simple recipe, but I made it tonight, and they were fantastic! Absolutely loved them! Crispy outside, moist flavorful inside, the perfect chop! Thank you for the great recipie, they will be enjoyed for years to come!

  16. 5 stars
    No kidding….these are the best pork chops!! I am a fairly good cook but shied away from pork chops.( too many very bad chops in my childhood!) When I cook meat I want to taste the meat and this fit the bill; it was juice, flavorful and tender. Your going to want to make this.

  17. 5 stars
    These were amazing!! As always, your recipes are the best. I have made several and they have all been a huge hit! Thank you Lacey!

  18. Ok, i am going to attempt this tonight, though my husband isn’t a big fan of pork…my 5 yr daughter is a picky meat eater…i am looking for them to enjoy this. Thanks

  19. Made these tonight for dinner. I’m with you – pork isn’t usually my first choice, but hubby likes it so I make it occasionally. This was a simple and delicious recipe. Added to the rotation for sure! Thanks 🙂

  20. This looks amazing and I’m excited to try it! But I cook for a picky eater, and I’m curious if the cayenne pepper in the recipe makes these spicy or has a strong bite to it?

    1. Hi Amanda! The cayenne definitely gives the pork chops a bit of heat, but it’s quite mild and not strong or spicy. You can always make the seasoning, split it in half and add half the cayenne to one and none to the other for preparing it just to be safe. Best of luck!

  21. I made these tonight! And they were a hit, even with my picky 4 year old. They are a definite keeper. Yum! And thank you so much for such a fabulous recipe.

  22. Oh my! My faith in pork chops is restored! These were very tasty, and not all that intimidating to a rank amateur. Thanks so much!

  23. I’ve been meaning to come back and let you know how awesome those pork chops are. I originally bought pork chops just to try this recipe and its definitely the one I’ll continue to use. Thank you very much for an amazing recipe!

  24. I hope you don’t mind if I post a link to this recipe on my blog. I tried this recipe last night and was blown away. Please let me know if you want me to remove the link.
    Thank you for the great new recipe to add to my dinner list. 😀

  26. Tried these and loved them. Family said they really were the best pork chops they had ever had, and I agreed!

    Thanks.

  27. I made these tonight for my husband and son and they liked them..they thought they had a good taste and were juicy.
    Thanks for posting.

  28. Made these tonight. They were delicious!! My husband said it was one of his favorite dinners I’ve made EVER, and I love to cook. I served it with mashed butternut squash and sautéed asparagus with onion, mushroom, garlic and Parmesan. It was really, really yummy 🙂

  30. These sound delicious! I am planning to cook them tonight along with your mashed sweet potatoes and garlic green beans. Any suggestions for an easy dessert to pair with this meal?

  32. Wow! Those look so tasty. Great job on the photography. I’m going to have to give this a try and see if they really are the “best ever”, though. That’s a pretty tall order!

  33. A sweet pea. A fantastic recipe with all the right seasonings. May i add one thing, if you brine the chops first in water and kosher salt, they will be beyond juicy and tender. Brining is an amazing way to add juice and flavor to meats. Your chops are to die for!!!

  34. I just love how your recipe ingredients are things I have handy. I think I will make an entire meal with only your recipes to celebrate Savannah’s impending arrival!!! Congrats!!

  35. I think this is by far the best thing I have ever eaten in my life. It was like a party in my mouth. You. Are. Amazing.

  37. Lacy, I love your web page. I was taught to make pork chops this way by my father. They always come out juicy and tender. I prefer to use thick rib chops if I can find them. I also use boneless sirloin pork steaks with flour,egg wash and panko. I just discovered a lemon pepper panko that is to die for. So much lemon flavor. It’s made by progresso. Anyway, now that I starving for pork chops……
    Thanks for your great recipes.

  40. I actually just wrote pan fried pork chops on my cooking list for the coming weekend. I think I’ll be referring to this recipe when I make them. They sound delicious!!

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