Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard Herb Sauce

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

Tender pork chops pan-fried with a tangy mustard and fresh herb sauce that enhances every bite. This international-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 International cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 bone-in pork chops evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the pork chops and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until nicely browned on the first side.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chops and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet, swirling to melt.
  5. Step 5: Continue cooking the pork chops for 4-5 minutes more while basting with melted butter until a thermometer reads 145°F internal temperature.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pork chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
  7. Step 7: Lower heat to medium and add 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Step 8: Stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Step 9: Spoon the mustard herb sauce over the pork chops and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard Herb Sauce?

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 bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard Herb Sauce?

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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard Herb Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Mustard Herb Sauce?

International 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes