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Easy Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops

With a beautifully browned crust and perfectly moist pork, this recipe is sure to impress your family or guests. The best part is that it’s quick and easy to make… with simple ingredients you’re sure to have on hand.

close up view of browned pork chops in skillet.

Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops

Perfectly browned, juicy, and flavorful, these pork chops are on the table in 20 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Equipment

  • 12 inch cast iron skillet

Ingredients 

  • 4 Boneless Pork Chops about 1.5 pounds total
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
  • tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary

Instructions 

  • Season. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
    raw pork on parchment paper.
  • Brown. Heat a 12” cast iron skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil and continue heating until the pan is lightly smoking. Add the pork chops and cook, flip them every 1-2 minutes so that both sides can form a crust. This process should take about 5-6 minutes.
    skillet with 4 pork chops with salt and pepper.
  • Add butter. Add the butter and fresh rosemary, continue cooking over medium high heat, flipping often. The pork chops are done when an instant read thermometer reads 145℉, About another 5 minutes. Remove the pork chops from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes.
    butter and rosemary added to pan.

Notes

Fresh thyme can be used in place of rosemary.
Best served over mashed potatoes with the pan juices.
Add crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
Bone- in or boneless pork chops can be used, about 1 inch thick.
Nutrition facts are for one 6-ounce pork chop.
Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.02g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 708mg | Potassium: 637mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 184IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
plated pork chop over mashed potatoes.

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Just-right cooking method. Perfectly browned crust from the cast iron with moist, juicy pork. No overcooked or bland chops here.
  • Simple and delicious. The pat of butter and fresh herbs add a depth of flavor to the pork chops .
  • Superfast. One of the easiest dinners you can make.

This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and instructions in the printable recipe at the bottom of the page.

ingredients on counter.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy dinner:

  • Boneless Pork Chops
  • Kosher Salt
  • Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
  •  Olive Oil
  • Butter
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs

🍴Instructions

Step One: season

raw pork on parchment paper.

Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the pork chops. Be generous!

Step Two: brown

skillet with 4 pork chops with salt and pepper.

Heat a 12” cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and wait until the pan is lightly smoking. Add the pork chops to cook. Flip them every 1-2 minutes so both sides can form a crust. This process should take about 5-6 minutes total.

Step three: add flavor

butter and rosemary added to pan.

Add the butter and fresh rosemary to the pan. Cook over medium high heat, flipping the pork chops often. The pork chops are done when an instant-read thermometer reads 145℉, which should be in about 5 more minutes. Remove the pork chops from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🥫 Storage instructions

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, and reheat in the microwave or oven.

🔍 FAQs

Is it safe to eat pork with a temperature of 145℉?

Yes, 145℉ is considered a safe internal temperature for pork. Cook it any longer, and you’ll have dry and bland chops. Don’t do it!

Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

A cast iron skillet is definitely the best way to get that beautiful golden brown crust on your pork chops. However, you can use other skillets such as stainless steel if preferred. Just make sure to get it nice and hot first.

Can I use boneless or bone-in pork chops?

Both boneless and bone-in pork chops can be used for this recipe. Just make sure that the cuts are about 1 inch thick so they don’t overcook.

Can I use other herbs in place of rosemary?

Yes, fresh thyme is an excellent substitution! But honestly, almost any woody herb would be delicious. Try sage too!

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert tips

  • Don’t flip your pork too much while it’s browning. Leave it alone, so you get a nice exterior.
  • Add crushed red pepper for a bit of heat if desired.
  • Adjust the amount of butter and herbs to your taste preference.

📘 Related Recipes

🍽 Serve it with

This is a very versatile dish that pairs well with sides that have lots of flavor. Here are some of our favorites:

plated chops with mashed potatoes and herbs.

📖 Here’s the recipe

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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