Garlic Parmesan Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Crispy Crust

Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, these Garlic Parmesan Pan Fried Pork Chops are ready in about 20 minutes. A crispy, cheesy crust and a sweet-savory pan sauce make these pork chops a new weeknight favorite.

The combination of garlic and Parmesan gives these simple pan fried pork chops a comforting, satisfying taste. They come together quickly, use just one skillet, and deliver a crispy exterior with a juicy interior—perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe

• Crispy, cheesy crust. A Parmesan-and-herb coating creates a flavorful, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.
• Rich pan sauce. Made from the skillet drippings, chicken broth, honey, and butter, the sauce is sweet, savory, and perfect for spooning over the chops.
• Quick and simple. Minimal ingredients and one skillet make this an easy, satisfying meal that’s ready fast.
• Juicy results. Letting the meat come to room temperature and cooking gently under a lid helps keep the pork chops moist and tender.

Ingredients for Smothered Pork Chops

• Pork chops: 4 boneless pork chops, about 6 oz each and 1 inch thick.
• Seasoning: ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp paprika (smoked or sweet), ½ tsp poultry seasoning or seasoning salt, salt, fresh ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
• Liquids & fats: 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1½ tbsp butter (divided), and 2 tsp honey.

How to Fry Pork Chops

• Prepare: Let pork chops sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Combine Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, poultry seasoning (or seasoning salt), and pepper in a small bowl. Pat chops dry and coat all sides with the mixture.

• Sear: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and ½ tbsp butter over medium-high in a large skillet. When hot, add the pork chops and cook 2–3 minutes until browned. Flip and cook 1 more minute.
• Finish: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook 9–12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 145°F, checking at about 8 minutes since timing depends on thickness.
• Make the sauce: Remove chops and set aside. Over medium-high heat, pour in the chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 3–5 minutes until reduced by half, then whisk in the honey. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter until melted.
• Serve: Return chops to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Bring to room temperature: Let chops sit for 20 minutes so they cook evenly.
• Dry them well: Pat chops dry for a better crust.
• Match thickness: Choose chops of similar thickness so they finish cooking at the same time.
• Customize the rub: Swap or add spices to suit your taste—bold, savory blends work best.

Serving Suggestions

These pan-fried pork chops pair well with potatoes—mashed, roasted, or baked—or garlic Parmesan rice. For a lighter option, try cauliflower mash or a simple vegetable side such as roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed green beans, or garlic butter romano beans to complete the plate.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days or freeze for 2–3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, or bake covered with foil to retain moisture and avoid drying out the chops.

Recipe Details

5 from 1 vote

Garlic Parmesan Pan Fried Pork Chops

by Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

Juicy, tender, and super flavorful – these Garlic Parmesan Pan Fried Pork Chops are smothered in a sweet and savory sauce and ready in about 20 minutes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 serves

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops, 6 oz each, 1 inch thick
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• ½ tsp poultry seasoning or seasoning salt
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tbsp butter, divided
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp honey
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

• Let pork chops sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
• Combine Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, seasoning salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Pat chops dry and season with the prepared rub on all sides.
• Heat olive oil and ½ tbsp butter over medium-high in a large skillet.
• When hot, add pork chops and cook 2–3 minutes until browned on the bottom. Flip and cook 1 minute.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 9–12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F. Start checking at about 8 minutes.
• Remove chops and set aside. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 3–5 minutes until reduced by half.
• Whisk in honey, remove from heat, and stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter until melted.
• Return pork chops to the pan, spoon sauce over them, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 352 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 6 g |
Protein: 35 g |
Fat: 21 g

Nutritional info is an estimate. Values may vary with ingredients and preparation.