How To Cook Thin Pork Chops

Name: How To Cook Thin Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 29 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds thin pork chops (✅ ); 1 teaspoon onion powder (✅ ); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (✅ ); 1 teaspoon chili powder (✅ ); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Thin pork chops are a quick and easy dinner option for busy weeknights. With their fast cooking time and delicious flavor, they are a great addition to any meal rotation. In this recipe, we will be showing you how to cook thin pork chops to perfection, so they are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can have a flavorful and juicy pork chop meal on the table in no time.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. So let’s get cooking!

For more simple dinner recipes, check out Gluten-Free Baked Ziti, Turkey Burgers in the Oven and Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes.

Cooking Thin Pork Chops

This pork chop recipe is an effortless meal that is ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients. It is also budget friendly to check all the boxes!

The pork is seasoned with a homemade spice blend then seared on each side to create a crispy crust with a juicy and tender center. Easily slice into these pork chops to enjoy with any desired side (suggestions provided below).

We are all about easy dinner recipes packed with flavor these days and couldn’t wait to share this one.

We know you’ll quickly be impressed with all this dish has to offer just like our No Peek Beef Tips, Creamy Pasta Recipe With Ground Beef, Comforting Crockpot Chicken and Noodles and Gluten Free Fried Chicken.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!

thin pork chops, olive oil and spices on counter

Equipment

Ingredients

1.5 pounds thin pork chops ✅
1 teaspoon onion powder ✅
1 teaspoon garlic powder ✅
1 teaspoon chili powder ✅
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make

In a small mixing bowl combine the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Season the thin pork chops

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pork chops onto the parchment paper.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture onto the top and bottoms of the pork chops using clean hands to rub it in. Let the pork chops rest for 15 minutes.

Heat the skillet

Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops.

Cook for 1-2 minutes on the first side, flip, and cook an additional 1-2 minutes. The room-temperature chops cook very quickly, make sure to not overcook.

Cook

Cook for 1-2 minutes on the first side, flip, and cook an additional 1-2 minutes. The room-temperature chops cook very quickly, make sure to not overcook.

top down shot of five seared pork chops in skillet

Pork Chop Sides

We couldn’t share these skillet pork chops without highlighting the best sides to serve with pork. Of course, you can feature your family favorites but if on the search for new flavors and ideas, consider one of these suggestions.

Storing Thin Pork Chops

In the fridge: Store in a covered container for up to 3 days.

In the freezer: Store in a covered container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat pork chops to keep them moist and tender is to bake at 350° F in a covered dish for 7-10 minutes or until heated through.

Add a splash of water or broth to the dish when reheating. If you don’t have a baking dish with a lid, tin foil can be used.

Tips

Use bone-in or thin boneless pork chops. Bone-in chops are likely to be juicier as the bones help to lock in the moisture.
Thin cut pork chops may be labeled “minute pork chops” at the grocery store.
Season with Pulled Pork Rub or your favorite seasoning blend.
Buy thin chops or use a mallet to pound into thin pork slices.
Marinate overnight or for at least 8 hours to further tenderize and elevate the flavor.
Select pork with marbling for a juicer option.
Serve as is, drizzled with gravy or fresh lemon juice.
Cut cooked pork into bite sized pieces and serve alongside a dipping sauce for younger kids.

two pork chops on plate with green beans

Frequently Asked Questions

How to season pork chops?

With your favorite seasoning blend! Ours is the combo of onion powder, garlic powder, chili, salt and pepper. However, this can easily be swapped with your preference. Fennel, paprika, cajun, and coriander are additional spices that pair well with pork.

How to cook thin pork chops without drying them out?

The best way to cook thin pork chops is quickly in a preheated skillet. To prevent overcooking, only cook on each side for 1-2 minutes then remove from the heat and let the pork rest before slicing.

Why are my pork chops tough?

Pan seared pork chops should not be tough if cooked as written and a meat thermometer is used to check the internal temperature does not exceed 145° F.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Make a double or triple batch of the seasoning blend and store the extra in a mason jar or container to use for your next pork chop recipe.
The pork chops should sizzle when placed in the hot oil. If not, let the oil continue to heat for another 1-2 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp has reached 145° F after cooking for 1-2 minutes on each side. This will prevent overcooking.
Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooked. This will keep the pork juicy and tender.

More Easy Pork Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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