Lemon Pepper Pork Chops in Cast Iron Skillet : Cooking With Bliss

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Today, we're talking about Lemon Pepper Pork Chops. Imagine perfectly cooked tender and juicy pork chops enveloped in a garlicky and lemony butter pan sauce. This can be your ticket to a hassle-free weeknight dinner whether you're a seasoned cook or are just starting out in the kitchen. Quite honestly your status doesn't matter, it's about bringing incredible flavor to your dinner table with ease. Let's get into it.

So, my friend, if you're looking to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this recipe is for you. It's quick, easy and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

You can pair this recipe with almost any side ranging from this comforting Herb Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe to a bright and crisp Easy Peach Arugula Salad. Here are a few more of our favorites:

Ingredients

Bringing together succulent pork chops is easy with just a handful or two of everyday ingredients. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of zest and savoriness.

Pork chops
Grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper
Cold butter
Fresh minced garlic
Fresh lemons

See recipe card for quantities.

Ingredient Notes

Aside from the other ingredients that go into these pan-seared lemon pork chops, I think it's worth taking note of the following 2 ingredients.

Butter: The secret to making this lemony butter pan sauce is using cold butter. This will keep the sauce together and prevent it from breaking.

Fresh lemons: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice is by far better than using the bottled stuff. Go for fresh lemons whenever possible.

How to Cook Lemon Pepper Pork Chops

Let me guide you through the steps to turn ordinary pork chops into these easy lemon pepper pork chops that's bursting with citrus and buttery flavors.

Place your cast iron skillet over medium high and add cooking oil to the skillet/
When oil is hot, add pork chops an sear.

Flip the chops over to sear the other side.
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place on a clean plate.

Add the cold butter to the pan and whisk as the butter melts.
Add lemon zest and minced garlic and saute until fragrant.
Add lemon juice and whisk until thickened.
Add fresh chopped parsley.

Add chops back to skillet, spoons over sauce and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

When done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and place on a clean plate and spoon pan sauce over the top.
Serve with your favorite side and enjoy.

Variations

Here are a couple of more ways to transform pork chops:

Try these Dutch oven pork chops in a velvety homemade gravy with sauteed mini bella mushrooms.

Or, if you're looking for crispy golden chops, these Cajun fried pork chop might be calling your name. They're seasoned to perfection with your favorite Cajun seasoning, lightly dredged in flour then fried until crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

Equipment

For this recipe, I used my cast iron skillet, but feel free to use a stainless steel skillet, Dutch oven or braiser. It's totally up to you.

Storage and Reheat

Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container with a tight fitting lid. You can store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat

When reheating, place your pork chops in an oven-safe dish. Place in a 375 degree preheated oven until your chops are warm throughout.

Top Tips

To get a really good sear, be sure to pat dry your pork chops thoroughly with paper towels after rinsing them off.
In order for your pork chops to stay juicy and tender, cook them until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
Be sure to use cold butter when making your lemon butter pan sauce as this will prevent the sauce from breaking.
Use the juice of freshly squeezed lemons to make the bright lemony butter sauce. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is way better than the bottled stuff.
Taste test your pan sauce during the cooking process to make sure it's seasoned to your liking. Add a little kosher salt at a time at first.

FAQ

Can I use boneless pork chops?

You sure can! While my recipe calls for bone-in. Boneless pork chops will be great too. The 2 most important things when it comes to cooking pork chops is seasoning them well and cooking them until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

Can I substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice?

I recommend using fresh lemon juice whenever you can. Although bottled lemon juice is more convenient, it doesn't have the vibrant citrusy taste compared to fresh lemons. Fresh lemons juice is preferable.

When do I know that the pork chops are cooked perfectly?

Instead of focusing on cooking time, the best way to know that your pork chops are cooked perfectly is to use an instant read meat thermometer. To do this, insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat away from the bone. When it registers to 145 degrees F, your chops are done.

How long to cook lemon pepper pork chops?

Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add oil to the skillet. When the oil is hot, place your chops in the skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and place on a clean plate. Lower the temp a bit and begin making your lemon garlic butter sauce. As your sauce begins to thicken, add your chops back to the skillet and continue to cook for 10 to 12 more minutes or until your chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

More Pork Recipes

Looking for other pork recipes? Try these:

Pairing

These are some of my favorite dishes to serve with Lemon Pepper Pork Chops:

Did you make this recipe?

If so, let me know how it went. Leave a 'Star Rating' within the recipe card down below and/or TAG @cookingwithbliss on Instagram. I can't wait to see how it turned out.

Lemon Pepper Pork Chops in Cast Iron Skillet

Serving Suggestions