How To Cook Tender Skillet Pork Chops in the Oven: Cast Iron Cooking

What if I told you we figured out how to get those tender, juicy skillet pork chops every time, with a quick roast in the oven? Ready to say goodbye to dry, flavorless chops? These tips will have you adding tender pork chops back to your rotation. Try our Pork Chops in the Oven with browned butter garlic sauce!

Since we’re home and cooking in the kitchen more, we’re also trying our hand at new recipes and dishes, like our bread machine cinnamon rolls (so good!). I’ve never actually cooked pork chops before and wanted to learn how to cook perfect pork chops every time. After plenty of time and research, I felt comfortable trying it and I’m sharing what we learned about cooking the perfect pork chop with you!

We’ve been using Omaha Steaks for a while now to stock up on meats and main dishes. To me, it’s a perfect way to fill the freezer with flash-frozen protein and family meals. I can get fresh meats and sides from experienced butchers, delivered right to my door, and the company stands behind every item on the menu.

Recently, we ordered a stock-up package with a variety of meats that we love, and still, one item caught my eye… the boneless pork chop.

When it comes to pork, nothing is more versatile than a good, thick boneless chop. And yet, I’ve never tried my hand at cooking it in the kitchen… until now!

Of course, a pork chop can fix that summer craving while you throw them on the grill. Or you can pan-fry them with a perfect sear and a delicious rub. Of course, you could always bake them in the oven or even turn on the broiler.

After looking at so many options and recipes, I decided to keep my first try pretty classic with a mix of tips to make sure I didn’t fail. Or at least, that I was less likely to. The main thing I learned? Just don’t overcook it!

Start with less time and build up for a thicker cut or for bone-in chops.

Of course, finishing off our pork chop recipe with a browned butter garlic sauce is a delicious finishing touch too! So, let’s get to it, ready to see how I learned how to cook tender skillet pork chops in the oven?

For one, I’m all about that cast iron cooking. It makes searing a pork chop (or a steak for that matter!) really easy, and then the whole thing can go into the oven, and it can be brought back to the stovetop to finish off the sauce! And yes, I realized that cooking a tender, juicy pork chop is very similar to cooking up a good steak.

Once I learned to treat it like a steak, it made the idea of cooking pork chops in the oven much easier…. it’s pork chops cast iron cooking style!

How To Cook Tender Skillet Pork Chops in the Oven

Make a brine for the pork chops.

Okay, so this step is completely optional. However, if you do have the time, brining, even if it’s for just a little bit, adds flavor and juiciness to the pork.

To make a brine, bring a cup of water to boil, add salt, some smashed garlic, and peppercorn and stir to dissolve the salt. Remove from heat and add 2 cups of cold water to bring the temperature of the brine down to room temperature. Place the pork chops in a bowl and cover with the brine. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or cover and place in the fridge for up to 4 hours.

Remove from refrigerator and salt early.

Since you already have your pork chops out of the fridge for your brine, you’ve got a head start. Remove the chops from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper 30 minutes before cooking. Salt helps prepare the flavor and texture of the meat, especially since pork chops are usually a pretty lean cut. 

Don’t miss the best pork chop seasoning.

I couldn’t leave out the best pork chop seasoning, and since we’re making a browned butter garlic sauce with thyme, we’re going to keep this seasoning simple and easy, but still flavorful. After you rub in the oil, salt, and pepper, sprinkle a dab of paprika and thyme. 1/2 tsp of each will do perfectly.

Another fun little tip, while you’re rubbing in your seasoning, add a bit of flour to it! This helps the sear to get a nice golden brown color and add a flavorful crust on the meat.

Prepare to cook pork chops in the oven.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. 

Pork chops cast iron style – sear the pork chops in the cast iron skillet.

This is the fun part because once you place the pork chops in a hot, cast iron pan, you’ll hear them sizzle! This won’t take long, but let the pork chops sear until the bottom is golden brown. Just a couple of minutes should do it.

A few of our favorite cast iron skillets:

Flip the chops and transfer to the oven.

Use tongs to flip the pork chops and, with mitts, place the entire cast iron skillet into the oven. This is why I love a good, seasoned cast iron skillet – they can take some serious heat! 

Roast the pork chops in the oven until cooked through.

Roast until the pork chops are cooked through, depending on the thickness of the chop, this will be about 3-5 minutes, longer if bone-in. 

Make a browned butter pan sauce and let the pork chops rest.

Remove your skillet from the oven and place it back on the burner for about one minute. Add butter, fresh sprigs of thyme, and garlic cloves and let it sizzle in the pan. Using a spoon, pour the melted butter over the pork chops. Flip the pork chops and baste again. Remove from heat and let the pork chops rest in the pan until they reach 140-145°F.

Slice and serve.

Slice the pork chops across the grain and serve with the browned butter sauce and garlic.

Have you made skillet pork chops before?  What’s your favorite think to cook in a skillet?  Let me know in a comment below!