How to fry a thick pork chop

When you get pork chops, what type do you usually buy? I used to buy packs of the fairly thin, bone-in pork chops like I used in this Pork Chops with Mushroom Cream Sauce recipe. They cook quickly (sometimes maybe a little too quickly), and leftovers make great sandwiches.

When I started ordering my meat from ButcherBox, I was in for a surprise! When I got my first pack of chops, they were huge, boneless, 2-inch thick, 8 oz. chops!

If you’d like to try out ButcherBox, feel free to use this link to get a $30 credit when you sign up (and I’ll get $30 off mine too).

I had never cooked 2-inch thick pork chops, so I had to experiment a bit to make sure the center was cooked through without burning or drying out the edges. I’m excited to share my method so you don’t waste a single bite of these big, juicy, delicious pork chops!

Ingredients Needed for the Perfect Pork Chops

As always, you will find the complete recipe below, just keep scrolling. This is quick overview of the ingredients you will need to make the best thick cut pork chops:

• Thick cut pork chops: this recipe includes cooking time specifically for a 2 inch pork chop. 
• Steak marinade: I use Allegro, but you can use your favorite brand.
• Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper

How do you cook tender pork chops?

If you’ve ever tried cooking thick pork chops and were disappointed with dry, flavorless chops, this post is for you! You need to follow these simple steps for the BEST thick cut pork chops! 

1. Marinade the pork chops in 1/3 cup steak marinade and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Allow the chops to marinade at least one hour, up to 24 hours. 
2. When ready to cook preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Remove the chops from the marinade and season well with salt and pepper on each side. 
3. Heat an oven safe skillet over high heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil. When the skillet and oil are piping hot add the pork chop and sear 2 minutes on each side. After searing place the entire skillet with the chops in the oven and bake 10 minutes, flip and bake another 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. 

Tips for the Best Pork Chops

• Do not skip the marinade. This gives the chops amazing flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. 
• Use an oven safe skillet such as a good, heavy bottom cast iron skillet.
• Do not sear longer than 2 minutes. 
• Use a meat thermometer, remove the chops from the oven as soon as they reach 145 degrees F. 
• Allow the meat to rest 5 minutes before cutting into it, this helps to prevent all the juices from escaping if you cut into it too quickly. 

What should I serve with Pork Chops?

These pork chops pair perfectly with just about any side dish! I served my pork chops with these Cheesy Roasted Asparagus. It is quick, easy and naturally low carb! These are some other great ideas:

• Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
• Bacon Fried Cabbage
• Instant Pot Collard Greens
• Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Other Pork Recipes

• Blackened Pork Chops with Fried Cabbage
• One Pan Pork Chops with Cream Sauce
• Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Mushrooms
• Ham and Cheese Quesadilla

Continue to Content

How to Cook a Thick Cut Pork Chop Perfectly

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 26 minutes

Learn exactly how to cook a thick cut pork chop so it is perfectly tender and juicy! 

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Ingredients

• 2 (two inch) thick cut pork chops
• 1/3 cup steak marinade
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinade the pork chops in 1/3 cup steak marinade and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Allow the chops to marinade at least one hour, up to 24 hours. 
2. When ready to cook preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Remove the chops from the marinade and season well with salt and pepper on each side. 
3. Heat an oven safe skillet over high heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil. When the skillet and oil are piping hot add the pork chop and sear 2 minutes on each side.
4. After searing place the entire skillet with the chops in the oven and bake 10 minutes, flip and bake another 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. 

Notes

I use Allegro marinade, but you can use your favorite brand.

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  Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - 12.5 Inch - Black

Nutrition Information:Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 pork chop
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 218Total Fat: 11.6gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 288mgCarbohydrates: 1.2gNet Carbohydrates: 1.1gFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.4gProtein: 26g

To avoid any confusion I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it is not known to affect blood glucose levels. To calculate Keto recipes listed on this site carbs - fiber = net carbs. I use Nutrifox as my nutrition calculator. This nutrition information is an estimate based on the information provided by Nutrifox and the specific ingredients I used.

Can you pan fry thick pork chops?

With this recipe for perfect pan seared pork chops, here are the approximate cook times over medium high heat: 1/2-inch-thick boneless pork chops: 2-3 minutes per side. 1-inch-thick boneless pork chops: 4-5 minutes per side. 1/2-inch-thick bone-in pork chops: 2-4 minutes per side.

How do you keep pork chops moist when frying?

Have oil nice and hot before you add the pork chops to the skillet so that you get a good sear. Searing keeps the pork chops juicy. Fresh thyme is optional, but adds an amazing flavor. Or you can also use 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme in place of fresh time.

How do you fry thick pork chops without burning them?

In a 12-inch heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil over medium-high temperature to cook pork chops. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the pork should register 145°F for doneness.

How long does it take to fry a big pork chop?

Place flour into a large shallow dish. Dip each pork chop into the flour mixture and coat well, shaking off the excess. Using tongs, gently lower the chops into the deep skillet in batches if necessary. Fry for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown, turning once.