The Ultimate Pork Chops

Looking for a pork chop recipe that stops everyone in their tracks? These Ultimate Pork Chops are absolutely dreamy—think gorgeously golden seared edges, juicy tender insides, and a pan sauce that’s lick-the-plate good.

Each bite bursts with savory goodness, thanks to a smart blend of garlic, herbs, and a splash of tangy Dijon. The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple, comes together in under an hour, and feels restaurant-worthy every single time.

It’s a must-try for busy weeknights, casual family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Inspired by my grandma’s Sunday suppers (with a few chef-y upgrades), this is a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Juicy: No more dry pork chops—these stay moist and tender every time.
• Pan Sauce Perfection: The easy skillet sauce is rich, savory, and ready in just minutes.
• Quick & Effortless: From prep to plate in 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Classic comfort food with a modern twist everyone will love.

Key Ingredients for The Ultimate Pork Chops

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Bone-In Pork Chops

These are the star of the show! Bone-in chops stay juicier during cooking and deliver the best flavor, thanks to the marrow and fat around the bone. Look for chops about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick for maximum tenderness. If you only have boneless, they’ll still work—just reduce the cooking time a bit to avoid overcooking.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon adds a tangy depth to the pan sauce, elevating every bite. Choose a good-quality mustard for the brightest flavor. If you prefer, stone-ground or even spicy brown mustard can be used for a different flavor profile.

Fresh Garlic

Freshly minced garlic brings a delicious aroma and savory kick to both the chops and the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, granulated garlic works, though the flavor is a bit milder. Just never skip it—garlic makes all the difference!

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth forms the base of the pan sauce, marrying the flavors of the seared pork and garlic. Opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness, or you can use vegetable broth in a pinch. Homemade broth will add extra richness if you have it.

Fresh Thyme

Thyme infuses the pork and sauce with a delicate, earthy aroma. Strip the leaves from the stems for the best texture. You can swap in rosemary for a stronger herbal note, or use dried thyme—just reduce the amount by half.

Instructions for The Ultimate Pork Chops

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Season the Pork Chops

Generously pat dry the pork chops with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures a flavorful crust and juicy texture.

Sear the Chops

In a large skillet (preferably cast iron), heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are deeply golden brown and release easily from the pan. Don’t crowd the skillet—work in batches if needed. Transfer chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Make the Pan Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Stir in the garlic and thyme, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then whisk in the Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Let the sauce bubble for another 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Finish the Chops

Return the pork chops (plus any juices) to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, spooning sauce over the top, until the chops are just cooked through (internal temp 145°F). Remove from heat.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if using. Serve the pork chops hot, drizzled with plenty of pan sauce.

Recipe Variations

Make It Creamy

For an extra-indulgent twist, stir 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the sauce after adding the mustard and lemon juice. Let it bubble for a minute until rich and velvety. This makes the chops even more luxurious and comforting.

Go Smoky

Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the thyme for a subtle smoky flavor. You could also finish the chops on the grill for a charred touch.

Herb Swap

Try rosemary or sage in place of thyme for a different herbal vibe. Fresh tarragon works beautifully too—just use a bit less, since it’s more potent.

Gluten-Free Option

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written; just double-check that your broth and mustard are certified gluten-free.

Boneless Chops or Chicken

Not a fan of bone-in? Use boneless chops or even chicken breasts! Keep an eye on cooking time—boneless cuts cook slightly faster, so check for doneness early.

Serving Suggestions

These Ultimate Pork Chops shine alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. For a fresh touch, add a simple green salad or steamed green beans on the side. Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge for a bright finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the meat. Pork chops and sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Ultimate Pork Chops (FAQ)

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
A: Absolutely! Boneless chops work well—just reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes to prevent them from drying out.

Q: How do I know when pork chops are fully cooked?
A: Use an instant-read thermometer; pork is safe and juicy at 145°F. The chops should feel firm but still springy to the touch.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can sear the pork chops and make the sauce ahead, then reheat gently in the sauce when ready to serve. This makes it great for entertaining or meal prep.

Ready for the juiciest, most flavorful pork chops you’ve ever tasted? Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment or rating below and share your own tasty twists.