I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t require culinary school training or a grocery list longer than my arm. These Golden Skillet Pork Chops might just be the answer. With just five simple ingredients and a hot cast iron skillet, you’ll transform ordinary pork chops into a meal with that restaurant-quality sear and juicy interior that makes you want to lick the plate clean. But the real magic happens when you discover what to pair them with…
Why You’ll Love these Golden Skillet Pork Chops
When you’re looking for a dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, these golden skillet pork chops are about to become your new best friend.
The magic happens in that perfect sear—crispy, caramelized exterior giving way to juicy, tender meat inside. Heaven on a plate, really.
I’m obsessed with how the butter and olive oil create that irresistible golden crust. No fancy ingredients needed, just good technique.
And can we talk about how quick they cook? Weeknight dinner hero, right there. The best part? That satisfying sizzle when the chops hit the hot pan.
What Ingredients are in Golden Skillet Pork Chops?
These skillet pork chops are a demonstration of simplicity—just a handful of quality ingredients working together to create something truly mouthwatering.
- 4 pork chops (1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
When shopping for your pork chops, try to find ones with a nice marbling of fat, as this will help keep them juicy during the cooking process and add extra flavor to your finished dish.
How to Make these Golden Skillet Pork Chops
Step 1: Pat the Pork Chops Dry
Take your 4 pork chops and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This essential step removes excess moisture, which is the secret to achieving that gorgeous golden crust we’re after.
Step 2: Season Generously
Season both sides of your pork chops with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—a proper crust needs proper seasoning to bring out the meat’s natural flavors.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skillet
Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. The combination gives you the best of both worlds: the flavor of butter and the higher smoke point of oil.
Step 4: Sear the First Side
Once the fat is hot and shimmering (but not smoking), carefully place your seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Let them sear undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until they develop a rich golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Flip and Sear the Second Side
Using tongs, flip each chop and sear the second side for another 3-5 minutes. The key here is patience—good color equals good flavor, and you can’t rush greatness.
Step 6: Check the Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F, which gives you juicy, tender meat that’s perfectly safe to eat.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. For other delicious recipes requiring consistent mixing, a professional kitchen mixer can elevate your baking results dramatically. During this time, the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is as succulent as possible.
What to Serve with Golden Skillet Pork Chops
These juicy, golden-brown pork chops deserve some worthy dinner companions. A classic pairing is creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all those delicious pan juices beautifully.
For something green, roasted asparagus or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the meat. Homemade applesauce offers that traditional sweet-savory contrast that pork loves so much.
And don’t forget about quick-pickled red onions for a tangy bite that refreshes the palate between forkfuls.
If you’re serving this for dinner (which, let’s be honest, is when these chops shine brightest), a glass of unoaked Chardonnay or hard cider makes the perfect beverage pairing.
Golden Skillet Pork Chops Substitutions and Variations
• Seasonal Variations: In fall, add sliced apples to the pan.
In summer, top with a fresh peach salsa.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes in your seasoning brings subtle heat and depth.
- Crust Lovers: Press crushed peppercorns or chopped nuts onto the chops before searing for added texture.
Leftovers and Storage for these Golden Skillet Pork Chops
These pork chops are at their juiciest fresh from the pan, but leftovers still make a delicious next-day meal when stored properly:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pro tip: save any pan juices and store them with the meat to help maintain moisture.
- Freezing: Wrap individual chops tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water. This creates steam that helps prevent drying out.
Alternatively, warm in a 275°F oven until just heated through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about mastering the perfect pan-seared pork chop—that golden crust giving way to tender, juicy meat inside.
What makes this recipe special is its beautiful simplicity: just quality ingredients, proper technique, and attention to temperature.
These Golden Skillet Pork Chops shine as the centerpiece of a weeknight family dinner when you need something impressive without hours of preparation.
They’re equally at home paired with anything from mashed potatoes to a fresh salad.
In a world of complicated cooking, sometimes the classics remind us that good food doesn’t need to be fussy to be extraordinary.