Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Texas-Style Spiced Rub

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

Juicy pork chops seasoned with a bold Texas-inspired spice blend and pan-seared to a golden crust, finished with a buttery herb sauce. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs bone-in pork chops, paprika, cumin 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: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Texas-style spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) with paper towels and evenly rub the spice blend on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Spoon the melted butter over the chops continuously for 2 minutes to infuse flavor.
  5. Step 5: Remove chops from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Texas-Style Spiced Rub take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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-Seared Pork Chops with Texas-Style Spiced Rub?

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 Texas-Style Spiced Rub?

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 Texas-Style Spiced Rub 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 Texas-Style Spiced Rub?

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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