How To Cook Thin Pork Chops – Fast And Easy
Jan 03, 2023, Updated Aug 16, 2023
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Learn how to cook thin pork chops to perfection with this easy recipe. These pork chops can be cooked in less than 10 minutes and make a fast and delicious meal.
What make this recipe so good
- Fast – This pork recipe is so fast. It will only take about 5 minutes to cook. An easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple – Such an easy recipe with just a few ingredients.
- Budget friendly – This cut of meat is usually very budge friendly. You can often find a pack of thin pork chops for about five dollars or less.
Ingredients needed
Thin pork chops – Thin pork chops are typically between 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. You can typically find them prepackaged in the meat department or ask the butcher to slice them for you.
Olive oil or Butter – You can use olive oil or butter to cook the pork chops. Butter will add a richer flavor.
Seasoning – You can use simple spices like salt and pepper or a pork marinade to get extra juicy pork chops.
How to cook thin pork chops in a pan
Step one: Pat the pork chop dry with a paper towel. Season the chops with salt and pepper, or another seasoning blend. You can also marinate the pork chops.
Step two: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place oil in the pan. Place pork chops in the hot pan and cook for 2 minutes.
Step three: Flip the pork chops over and cook another 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
How long to cook thin pork chops
The thickness of the pork chops will determine the cook time. Since these wafer thin chops don’t have a bone and are only about 1/4-inch thick, they will take about 1-2 minutes of cook time on each side.
If you are using 1/2-inch thick chops or bone in chops, they could take 2-3 minutes of cook time on each side. Again, just use your meat thermometer to keep an eye on the internal temperature.
How to store leftover pork chops
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or in an air fryer at 350 degrees for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe tips and variations
- Make sure to let the thin cut pork chops temperature reach 145 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Also, make sure not to overcook the chops. Since they are so thin, they will cook fast.
- We are using wafer thin cut chops. If you are using 1/2-inch thick thin chops, they could take 2-3 minutes of cook time on each side.
- Feel free to experiment with your seasonings. I like to add 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning in with the salt and pepper for extra flavor.
What to serve with pork
These pork chops pair well with a variety of side dishes like:
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Mac and cheese
- Baked sweet potato
FAQ’s
Using a marinade is a great way to add flavor and moisture to pork chops. You could also serve them with a sauce or gravy to help add moisture.
Pork is a lean cut of meat and can easily overcook, especially when they are thin cut. Keep checking the internal temperature and remember, they will only take about 2 minutes to cook on each side.
More easy pork recipes
- 25 Pork tenderloin recipes
- Easy pork tenderloin recipe
- 21 Pork belly recipes
- 20 Leftover pulled pork recipes
- Pork casserole
How To Cook Thin Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 thin cut pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the pork chops.
- Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add oil to the skillet. Place pork chops in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
- Flip the pork chops over and cook another 2-3 minutes, depending on the thickness. Check the internal temperature to make sure it reaches 145 degrees F.
- Remove from the heat and serve warm.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My husband said he wished his mother was alive so he could have her taste what pork chops should taste like. Yup, his mom would make them like bricks, I remember the one time I ate them I had to smother them in Cottage Cheese just to get them down. Back then she would put them on the frying pan or grill and push out the ‘juice’. Same as a Beef roast from the crock-pot. They would cook it in the crockpot and then poor out the ‘juice’. Drove me nuts!
Yup, this is the way to do it. I’m just not sure about the spices yet.
To be honest, I have eaten my share of ‘shoe leather’ for dinner and when my husband said we had pork chops, I had no idea they were thin! This recipe changed my mind on thin pork chops. Don’t ask why, just try it! Internal temperature is the key.
So glad you enjoyed!
Amazing! I did about a 2 hour marinade with the marinade link you have(minus the Worcestershire sauce because we have a fish allergy among us) and it was all so very good.
Cooked rice and asparagus and the family is happy so thank you.
Thanks for the this. The pork chops were so very good. Moist. Not another hockey puck. My oven is not working properly. So as I wait for the repair man. I have been looking for other ways to prepare my meals. Looks like I’ll ditch Shake and Bake for pork chops.