Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Ancho Chili and Citrus Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-12 · Updated 2026-06-12

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Juicy pork chops seared to perfection, finished with a tangy sauce infused with smoky ancho chili and fresh citrus zest. This Mexican-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs bone-in pork chops, ancho chili powder, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving

Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

4 pieces (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
2 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp orange zest
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp unsalted butter

Know when the pork is done: thermometers under $100 → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season evenly with 2 tsp ancho chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan, then stir in 1 tsp orange zest and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 5: Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tbsp unsalted butter to create a glossy finish. Spoon the sauce over pork chops and serve immediately.