Cast Iron Pork Chops

Not sure what to do with those bone in pork chops? Cast Iron Pork Chops are the answer! They are cooked to perfection in a cast iron pan right on the stovetop. These bone in pork chops come out juicy and flavorful every time, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Cast Iron Pork Chops

If you are looking for something other than chicken breasts for dinner, pick up a few bone-in pork chops. When cooked right, pork chops are delicious, tender and so juicy. This recipe is so easy and comes together quickly, so dinner can be ready and on the table in under 30 minutes. Dinner win!

You are going to love this recipe because of how easy it is to make and let’s not forget about the amazing texture and flavor. Making pork chops in a cast iron skillet doesn’t require a whole lot of cooking skills, but will make everyone think you have been practicing to be a trained chef.

Why Use Cast Iron Skillet

You will feel like a homesteader when you bust out that cast iron pan, it really is the best pan, and can be used for everyday cooking in the kitchen. Cast Iron is known for retaining heat and maintaining an even temperature for making that perfect crust on the outside of steak, chicken, salmon and yes, pork chops.

Plus cast iron has a non-stick finish that makes clean-up a breeze. Who doesn’t love that? With so many reasons to love it, cast iron is my go-to choice for cooking up perfect pork chops.

Recommended Equipment

• 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet– this is the cast iron pan that I use the most in my kitchen. I really use it for everything from proteins to breads and even cookies!
• Fish Spatula– or another spatula, I just love how wide and thin this spatula is, it makes getting under everything so easy.

How to Cook Pork Chops in Cast Iron Skillet

Now that you see why cooking in cast iron is superior, let’s walk through the basics of how to cook a pork chop in your cast iron skillet.

1. Prepare the Pork Chops– the best seasoning for pork chops in this recipe is just some simple sea salt and black pepper. Season liberally on both sides.
2. Heat the Cast Iron– place your 12-inch cast iron pan over medium high heat. Pour in the avocado oil, or other high-temperature oil like canola or vegetable. Swirl the oil around so it covers the bottom of the pan.
3. Cook Pork Chops– put the seasoned pork chops into the pan and cook on one side for 2-3 minutes until that side is browned and a little crisp. Flip to the other side and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until that side is browned. Flip for one more 3 minute cooking session on the other side again.
4. Add Butter and Thyme– at this point we will add a little more flavor to take these pork chops to the next level. For the last 3 minutes, flip the pork chops over one last time. Add the butter and thyme sprigs to the pan, let it melt, spoon the butter over the pork chops, flip, and butter again.
5. Rest– rest the pork chops on a clean plate and cover with a piece of foil for 7-10 minutes before serving. This is a necessary step as it helps the juices redistribute in the meat so they won’t all run out when you slice into the pork chops, keeping them nice and juicy.

What Temperature to Cook Pork Chops

How do you know when pork chops are done? Truly the best way to tell when pork chops are done cooking is to measure the internal temperature of the meat with an instant read thermometer.

Using a thermometer will help you know that the pork has cooked enough to not be raw and not overcooked or dried out. Pork, like beef can be cooked to different temperatures from medium rare to well done. According to the USDA, pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145ºF.

The following temperature guides can be used for measuring pork chops:

• Medium Rare: 145-150ºF
• Medium: 150-155ºF
• Medium Well: 155-160ºF
• Well: 160ºF

Contrary to what most of us have been taught, pork chops can still be pink in the center and safe to eat.

More Cast Iron Recipes to Try

Whether you are a seasoned cast iron user or just starting out, these are some of my go to cast iron recipes that are easy enough for anyone to make.