This family friendly thin pork chop recipe is mouthwatering, easy, and will be on the table in 15 minutes. It’s truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Pan Fried Thin Pork Chops
These thin cut pork chops are smothered in a super delicious homemade pork rub, with flavors like garlic, onion, paprika, basil, and cumin. The boneless pork chops are seared and cooked for just 5 minutes, resulting in a golden exterior and a juicy tender interior!
These thin pork chops are seriously mouthwatering and just melt in your mouth as you eat them. The best part is that you can literally have dinner on the table in 15 minutes!
If you have a few extra minutes, I definitely recommend making a honey garlic sauce for dipping. The combination of the sweet sauce with the savory pork chops is next level amazing.
Ingredients
Pork Chops: Thin pork chops cook so quickly, which makes them perfect for dinner on busy weeknights. Look for ones that are an even thickness with even marbling and just a little fat around the edge.
Olive Oil: This is the fat we’re using for cooking, but feel free to swap this for your favorite neutral flavored cooking oil.
Paprika, Garlic, Onion, Oregano, Basil, and Cumin: This blend pairs so perfectly with pork. Paprika and onion are lightly sweet, garlic is aromatic, oregano and basil are herby, and cumin is earthy. You can try adding a little cayenne pepper if you want to make it a bit spicy.
Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances all of the other flavors in this dish, while the slight heat in pepper balances out the rich savory flavors. Keep in mind that freshly cracked pepper will be spicier than ground pepper.
How to Cook Thin Pork Chops
Make the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, ground cumin, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir until fully mixed. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)
Season the Pork Chops: Pat the thin pork chops dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere. Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of each chop, pressing gently so it sticks. Let the seasoned pork chops rest at room temperature briefly to allow the flavors to meld.
Sear: Heat a large skillet. Once hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Place the pork chops in the skillet in a single layer. Cook until they’re deeply golden and nicely seared on one side, then flip and cook until the other side is browned and the centers are just cooked through to an internal temperature of 145F. Thin pork chops cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them.
Rest: Transfer the pork chops to a clean plate and let them rest before serving so the juices can redistribute. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, etc.
Pro Tips
- Buy Even Pork Chips: Look for thin pork chops that are all sliced to an even thickness. This will ensure that they all cook in the same amount of time, rather than ending up with some that are overcooked while you wait for the thicker ones to finish cooking.
- Always Dry Your Meat: This is an essential step in creating the maillard reaction, which is what gives you the delicious golden crust when you sear meat.
- Use a Hot Pan: Give the pan a chance to heat up properly so that you get a real sear on the meat.
Is It Better To Bake Or Pan Fry Pork Chops?
It totally depends on the thickness of the pork chops. Thin pork chops are better pan fried because the direct high heat sears them beautifully and cooks them quickly. Thick pork chops are better baked because they need longer for the inside to fully cook.
Should I Cook Pork Chops In Butter Or Oil?
Oil is better for searing because butter can brown too quickly. Your best bet for maximum flavor is to sear the pork chops in your favorite neutral cooking oil, and then after the pork chops are done cooking, put a small pat of butter on top of the pork chop, letting it melt into the meat.
Should Pork Chops Be Room Temperature Before Cooking?
They don’t need to be fully room temperature. Letting them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or so helps take the chill off the meat, which helps them cook evenly.
How To Tell When Pork Chops Are Done
The only way to know for sure whether or not pork chops are done is to use an instant read meat thermometer. It should register 145F at the thickest point.
How Do You Keep Thin Pork Chops From Drying Out?
The most important thing is to not overcook them. Use high heat to create a sear, locking the juices in. You can also use a meat thermometer to know exactly when it’s done so you know the perfect moment to pull it off the stove. After it’s done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, which lets the meat reabsorb the juices.
How To Grill Thin Pork Chops
You can use this recipe for grilled pork chops, too. Place the seasoned pork chops on the heated grill directly over the heat. Once it develops grill marks, flip it once. Remove it from the heat to let it rest before serving once it develops grill marks on the second side and reaches an internal temperature of 145F at the thickest point.
What To Serve With Pork Chops
This recipe is on the table so quickly, so I like to serve it with quick and easy side dishes that are perfect on busy nights. My favorites are microwave baked potatoes, some delicious Cajun rice, quick and easy frozen peas recipe, or these air fryer sweet potato cubes.
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat sliced pork chops on the stove in a bit of oil on medium heat.
Keep In Touch
I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime
Pork Recipes
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other easy pork recipes. Some reader favorites are:
- Pork Chop Pasta
- Broiled Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Carnitas
- Ham Gravy
- Instant Pot Pork Loin
- Pork Ribeye Roast
- Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops
BEST Thin Pork Chops (Easy Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe)
This family friendly thin pork chop recipe is mouthwatering, easy, and on the table in 15 minutes. It’s truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Spice Blend:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Pork Chops:
- 4 thin pork chops (about 1/4-inch thick)
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- To a small bowl, add all the ingredients for the spice blend. Mix together.
- Pat the thin pork chops dry with paper towels (this will help the spice blend stick to the meat).
- Rub each pork chop evenly with the spice blend, making sure both sides are well coated. Let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Cook the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely seared and reach an internal temperature of 145F on an instant-read meat thermometer. Thin pork chops cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Once the pork chops are cooked, transfer them to a clean plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
If you want a different flavor profile, you can substitute the seasoning blend with your favorite seasoning or with a bit of salt and pepper.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 7.7gCarbohydrates: 1.9gFiber: 0.6gSugar: 0.1gProtein: 24.1g
Nutrition information isn't always accurate.
These pan fried thin pork chops are the best way to make tender pork. It’s ready in literally 15 minutes, and is guaranteed to get thumbs up from even the picky eaters.
