Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Cilantro-Lime Chimichurri

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

Juicy pan-seared pork chops topped with a zesty cilantro-lime chimichurri sauce for a fresh and flavorful Latin-inspired dish. This latin american ready in about 27 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 400 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and emulsified into chimichurri sauce.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon 2 tbsp of the cilantro-lime chimichurri over each chop before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Cilantro-Lime Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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-Seared Pork Chops with Cilantro-Lime Chimichurri?

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-Seared Pork Chops with Cilantro-Lime Chimichurri?

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-Seared Pork Chops with Cilantro-Lime Chimichurri 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Cilantro-Lime Chimichurri?

Latin American latin american 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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