These easy Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops are marinated in a beautiful herb marinade, then seared to juicy and tender perfection.
They’re an easy weeknight dinner that can also impress guests, plus they go with a huge variety of different sides.
Forget the oven, forget the grill, if you want your chops cooked perfectly every time, cast iron is the only way to go!
For a long time, I was not a huge fan of pork chops. My earliest exposure to them was my husband’s grilled chops, which are usually a little, um… lacking in moisture.
But when we started cooking them in the cast iron, similar to how we cook steaks, I was instantly converted into a pork chop fan…
What is the Best Cut of Pork Chop?
We prefer bone-in center-cut loin or rib chops. Rib chops tend to have more fat and a slightly chewier texture.
Loin chops, which we used today, are leaner, but more tender (if cooked correctly). Similar to a T-bone or porterhouse steak, bone-in loin chops also include part of the tenderloin.
TIP: Cut several scores through the fat around the perimeter of the chops. This prevents them from curling up while cooking, and results in more evenly cooked chops.
How to Marinate Pork Chops
Marinating meat adds great flavor, as well as helps tenderize the meat.
One method is to place the meat in a ziploc bag, then pour in the marinade. Squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag, then lay flat on a plate. You can also marinate them in a shallow dish covered in cling wrap.
We recommend marinating at least 30 minutes to one hour. Typically, we will marinate the meat in the morning, then cook it in the evening.
TIP: If marinating for more than one hour, keep the pork chops in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
How to Cook Pork Chops in a Cast Iron Skillet
- Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chops from the marinating, scraping off most of the garlic. Add the chops to the skillet and sear for 1 minute per side.
- Reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking the pork chops, flipping them about every minute, until the internal temperature reaches 135ºF (the temperature will continue to increase).
- Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally, baste the chops with melted butter and more fresh herbs.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
Variations
Although we love this fresh herb marinade, which you can find in the recipe card, you can use any of your favorite marinades. Other great options are Mojo Marinade, Jamaican Jerk Marinade, Carne Asada Marinade, or Chermoula.
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to marinate, you can use a dry rub. We love our homemade Montreal Seasoning with pork. Or try using Creole Seasoning, which gives a blackening effect.
What to Serve with Skillet Pork Chops
These cast iron chops go so great with so many sides…
In the mood for rice? Think our Saffron Rice or Louisiana Dirty Rice.
Other grain dishes go great here, like Farro Salad and Mediterranean Quinoa.
If you love some potatoes with your pork, try Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes or Lebanese Batata Harra.
For veggies, Green Beans Almondine and Corn Maque Choux are top picks.
Sweet flavors go great with pork. Try our Peach Salsa or Mango Salsa in the summertime.
Take your pork chops to a whole new level of flavorful, tender and juicy. Trust us, your cast iron skillet will make the most succulent chops you’ve ever had. You’ll never settle for dried out pork again.
Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chop, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
Try these other great pork recipes!
Crock Pot Pork Chops
Oven Baked BBQ Ribs
Cochon de Lait
Pork Stir Fry
Chile Verde
Pork Vindaloo
Jägerschnitzel
Skillet Pork Chops
These Skillet Pork Chops are super flavorful, tender and juicy. Plus, they're super quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops, 1 to 1.5 inches thick
- 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Place pork chops in a shallow dish. Mix together 1/2 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper in a bowl. Pour this marinade over the pork chops. Marinate at least 30 minutes.
- Heat remaining oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chops from the marinating, scraping off most of the garlic. Add the chops to the skillet and sear for 1 minute per side.
- Reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking the pork chops, flipping them about every minute, until the internal temperature reaches 135ºF (the temperature will continue to increase).
- Remove the skillet from heat. Baste the chops with melted butter and more fresh herbs.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
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