Southwest Bone In Pork Chops

These Southwest Bone in Pork Chops use a special seasoning blend for the most irresistible flavor, and are perfectly pan seared for a delicious deep flavor and crunchy texture on the meat’s surface. By using bone in pork chops with this method, we get an extra tender and juicy result every time!

this Recipe

Bone In Pork Chops – The EASY Way!

There are a lot of opinions on the best way to cook pork chops. Do you need bone in? Should they be boneless? Do you bake… pan sear… fry… or grill?

The fact is pork chops can be made delicious using all of these methods, but as a busy working mom, I need DELICIOUS, QUICK, and EASY.

This Southwest Bone In Pork Chop recipe does the trick!

A few reasons we love this recipe:

• Quick prep– these can be ready to cook in as little as 10 minutes!
• One pan – Less mess. Less dishes. Less hassle. Less thinking.
• Lots of flavor! The flavors in this dish will please adults and kids. No bland food here!
• Wholesome – Pork is a lean meat packed with protein and low in carbs. The seasoning mixture gives it great flavor while adding negligible fat and sugar.
• Great for meal prep– If you have leftovers, or plan to make extra, this recipe will work well for prepping lunches or reinvented dinners throughout the week.

This recipe produces a tender juicy pan seared bone in pork chop. If you are looking for recipes for boneless pork chops, you can see our modifications below, or try our Green Chile Smothered Pork Chops or Million Dollar Pork Chops.

What to Serve with Pork Chops

Since this dish has the classic flavors of the southwest, it will pair well with many of your favorite Southwestern side dishes.

There are both classic options regularly served with pork chops, creative options for when you need something new and exciting, and some healthy options to keep it light.

Side Dish Ideas

• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Salsa – Try serving a scoop of salsa right over the meat for a real treat!
  • Corn Salsa
  • Mango Salsa
  • Pineapple Jalapeno Salsa
• Mexican Street Corn Casserole – Reader favorite!
• Black beans
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes– These are super creamy and delicious
• Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Family favorite
• Mexican Corn Salad – light and delicious
• Classic Cucumber Tomato Salad – saves well for meal prep!
• Green Chile Cornbread – SO easy SO good!
• Cheesy Garlic Bread – kids always request this!

You can choose one or add a few sides to make a wholesome, well rounded dinner. 

Recipe Notes

This bone in pork chop recipe is as simple as promised! Just a few ingredients and one pan for a family friendly meal.

In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use when making this recipe to get the absolute best and most delicious results.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.

Ingredients

• Bone in pork chops – This recipe is made with bone in pork chops. You can use boneless pork chops with the marinade we are making as well, but the cooking time will change.
• Ranch seasoning – You can either use a ranch seasoning packet from the store, or make my extra delicious homemade ranch seasoning. It only takes an extra 5 mintues to make and the homemade version is also dairy free, gluten free, and lower carb.
• Lime juice– Use FRESH. It will make a big difference in the flavor!!
• Chili powder– adds the deep southwest flavor without making it spicy.
• Smoked paprika– I love the smokiness that smoked paprika adds, however, you can use sweet paprika also.
• Salt
• Vegetable oil– Use vegetable oil or your preferred high heat oil for cooking

Recipe Tips

1. Marinate– The seasonings in this recipe will guarantee great flavor, but if you have time to let the pork chops sit in the marinade it will help it become even more tender as the salt starts to change the cellular structure of the meat. 10 minutes will give it flavor but 30 min- 4 hours will really help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor!
   
2. Preheat the skillet and oil– Make sure both your skillet AND oil are hot before you start cooking. This will help get that deep caramelized delicious pan seared crust that makes these so drool-worthy.
   
3. Pan Sear– The key to the perfect sear on the outside of your pork chop is two things
   1. Make sure the pan and oil are nice and hot before you put the pork chop in,
   2. Don’t touch or fiddle with the meat once you put it down. You want to give it time to form a nice crust before you flip or move it.
      
4. Two step cooking process– Cooking these is a two step process. First we get the sear on the outside to add to the depth of flavor and texture of the dish. THEN we continue to cook over low until the meat is cooked through. Each is simple and easy, but recognizing the purpose of each will help you get the perfect results.
   1. The hot skillet sears the outside of the pork chops first
   2. The very low temp helps the pork chops to cook through slowly so that the outside does not get tough before the inside is done. Covering the pan will help keep the heat in surrounding the pork chop allowing it to hold in moisture and cook efficiently.
      
5. Don’t Overcook– The number one enemy of a tender juicy pork chop is over cooking. Even if you do everything else correctly, if you over cook a pork chop it is going to start to get dry and tough.
   The best way to ensure you do not overcook them is to use a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, you can get them inexpensively at the grocery store or online and they will change your life in the kitchen!
   
6. Let rest– I like to give my pork chops a 5 minute rest before serving to allow the juices to thicken and reincorporate into the meat. If you cut immediately they will run out and you lose all of that juicy flavor to the plate.

Do I need a cast iron skillet to make pan seared pork chops?

In this recipe and photos, I have used a cast iron skillet to make the bone in pork chops. You do not have to use cast iron, however, you will want to use a skillet that has a heavy bottom and will distribute heat well for the best results.

Alternate Methods

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

• Oven baked Pork Chops– You can use this flavoring to make bone in pork chops in the oven as well. Follow the recipe as written and after searing on each side transfer the skillet to an oven heated to 400˚F for about 6-10 minutes. Note: Make sure your skillet is oven safe at this temperature.
  
• Boneless Pan Seared Pork Chops– This Southwest Ranch marinade also works well on boneless pork chops. Begin the recipe as directed, marinating the pork chops. You will continue cooking as directed, however the boneless pork chops will likely cook 1-2 minutes more quickly than pork chops that are bone in.
  
• Other flavors– You can use this same pan seared pork chop recipe and replace the southwest ranch seasoning with other seasoning blends you like. You might try greek seasoning with lemon, rosemary garlic seasoning, fajita seasoning, cajun seasoning, or Italian Seasoning blend.

Dietary Considerations

If you have special dietary needs, this recipe meets some and can be easily modified to comply with others. 

As always, check all store bought ingredients for compliance on specific dietary needs. The notes below are a general guide.

• Gluten free: This recipe is naturally gluten free. Traditionally the store bought Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning is gluten free, however brands can change so always check. My homemade ranch seasoning mix is always gluten free!
• Dairy free: This Southwest Pork Chops recipe is dairy free only when using homemade dairy free ranch seasoning.
• Nut free: This recipe is naturally nut free
• Egg free: This recipe is naturally egg free
• Low carb/Keto: This recipe is low carb and keto friendly at only 4g net carbs per serving.
• Macros: The approximate macro calculation for this recipe is- P: 37g C: 5g F: 26g

Freezer Meal Instructions

This recipe can be prepared as a freezer meal that can be stored in your freezer for up to 6 months.

1. Combine the ranch seasoning, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and 2 tbsp oil to make the marinade.
2. Place pork chops in a container or zip top bag and cover with the marinade on all sides.
3. Freeze.
4. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
5. Cook as directed.

To Freeze After Cooking:

1. Make recipe as directed. Let any you wish to freeze cool to room temperature.
2. Prep meat as desired (slice, dice, or separate into portions.) Package in freezer bag or freezer friendly container.
3. Freeze.
4. Once ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
5. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Southwest Pork Chops Leftovers

If you have leftovers after making the bone in pork chops, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.

To save leftovers, I like to remove the meat from the bone since it is easier when it is warm. Then separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:

• in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
• in the freezer up to a month

Leftover Recipes

Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!

• Southwest Pork Salad– Chop leftover pork chops. Fill a bowl with chopped romaine. Add your choice of corn, black beans, tomato or pico de gallo, chopped avocado, and shredded Mexican blend cheese. Drizzle with jalapeno ranch dressing.
• Southwest Ranch Pork Quesadillas– Chop leftover pork chops. Place over half of a large tortilla. Add chicken, shredded cheese, and your choice of corn, black beans, and drained diced green chiles. Melt butter over medium heat, and once the skillet is hot, fold the tortilla in half and grill until golden brown on each side. Serve with ranch for dipping.
• Southwest Pork Burrito Bowls– Add cilantro lime rice, black beans and chopped Southwest Ranch pork chops to a bowl. Top with your choice of corn salsa, red salsa, chopped romaine, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
• Southwest Pork Wraps– Remove pork chop from the bone then cut meat into slices. Spread a thin layer of ranch over a large tortilla or flatbread. add mixed greens, sliced pork, bacon crumbles, shredded cheese, and sliced tomato.

More 20 Minute Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!

You can check out all of my EASY Dinner recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.

• Bacon Ranch White Chicken Chili
• Cast Iron Strip Steak
• Firecracker Chicken
• Zesty Crock Pot Pulled Pork
• Shake n Bake Pork Chops