Buttermilk-Braised Pork Chops with Lemon-Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork chops simmered in creamy buttermilk until juicy, finished with a tangy lemon glaze that highlights the sour taste sensation. This american-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs (1-inch thick) pork chops, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 4 pork chops in a shallow dish, then pour 1 cup buttermilk over them, ensuring full coverage. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork chops from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each chop in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, pressing gently to coat.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted, then add the floured pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, pour in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest, and 1 tbsp buttermilk, then simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until pork reaches 145°F, basting occasionally with the sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Braised Pork Chops with Lemon-Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (35 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buttermilk-Braised Pork Chops with Lemon-Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (1-inch thick) pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Braised Pork Chops with Lemon-Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttermilk-Braised Pork Chops with Lemon-Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttermilk-Braised Pork Chops with Lemon-Glaze?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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