These pork chops fried in the cast iron skillet are easy to make and yields the juiciest and most tender pork chops. Looking for an easy way to cook your pork with out making them tough or dry? This easy pan fried pork chop recipe is one you are going to want to try!
How to cook pork chops?
Have you tried making pork chops different ways but just never quite satisfied with the results? The trick to cooking pork chops is a good meat thermometer and making sure that they aren't over done. You can make pork chops on the grill, in the oven, or pan fried on the stove top. When pork chops are cooked properly, they can be tender, juicy, and absolutely delicious.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 pork chops, bone in
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 4 tbsp coconut oil, or other cooking oil (note)
INSTRUCTIONS
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Set the pork chops on the counter fifteen to thirty minutes before you plan to cook them. This way they can come to room temperature.
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Salt and pepper the pork chops on both sides and set aside.
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In a small bowl mix together flour, bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat cooking oil in the cast iron skillet. You want it hot but not so hot that it is smoking.
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Coat the pork chops with the flour mixture on both sides and then set into the skillet. Make sure they have plenty of room and all of the pork chops are touching the bottom of the skillet entirely.
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Cook for about 8- 10 minutes on each side or until they have reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
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Let rest for five minutes before serving. Enjoy plain or with your favorite sauce! I also made pasta con broccoli to serve as a side.
How long to pan fry pork chops?
This recipe is quick and easy and it only takes about fifteen to twenty minutes to pan fry your pork chops. Heat up your favorite cooking oil in the cast iron skillet, I always use coconut oil. You will need about a quarter inch of coverage on the skillet with your oil. Let the oil get hot but not smoking. Add in the breaded pork chops and cook for about eight to ten minutes on each side. Be sure to check with your meat thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
Easy Pan Fried Pork Chops with flour
Set your pork chops out of the refrigerator for about thirty minutes before you plan on cooking them. This way they come to room temperature and cook more evenly. Add salt and pepper to both sides of your pork chops. In a small bowl mix together flour, bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning. Place the pork chops in the flour mixture to cover both sides. When the oil is hot in the skillet, add in the pork chops. Be sure to not over crowd your skillet and that every pork chop is touching the surface of the skillet.
Pan Fried Pork Chops Bone In
Choose bone in pork chops for added flavor and tenderness. The bone adds quite a bit of flavor and moisture to the pork chop which also gives you a bit more forgiveness if you accidentally overcook them. Often times, people over look the bone in options simple out of ease of eating and not having to cut around the bone. But, you sacrifice flavor when you choose the bone less options.
How to tell if pork chops are done?
A meat thermometer can be inserted into the middle of the pork chop to get an accurate reading on internal temperature. The only way to know for sure that they are at a safe internal temperature for eating, is to check that they are at 145 degrees. They may look done on the outside but you want to be sure. I recommend that every kitchen as a reliable meat thermometer!
Tips for Cast Iron Skillet Fried Pork Chops
- The best way to ensure your pork chops are going to be tender and juicy is to purchase high quality pork to start with. At our farm, we raise our pork on pasture and feed them specifically for quality meat. Reach out to your local farmer or source from a local butcher shop for the best tasting pork.
- Choose the bone in options for added flavor and tenderness.
- If frozen, thaw the pork chops completely in the refrigerator. Then, bring them out of the refrigerator for fifteen to thirty minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. This will help them cook more evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, bread with flour, bread crumbs, and Italian Seasoning for the best flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is done but not over cooked. Cooking meat to the perfect temperature is a skill that is learned over time with practice but only possible by investing in a good meat thermometer.
- Allow your pork chops to rest for five minutes before eating. They will actually continue to cook off of the heat and the chops will reach a consistent internal temperature. Resting will result in the juices retaining inside the pork chop therefore making it more juicy and tender. Trust me, it's worth the wait no matter how tempting it is to just dig right in!
