Ranch pork chops are juicy and super tasty! They are coated with a delicious ranch seasoning that makes each bite flavorful. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how easy they are to make—just sprinkle some seasoning, cook them up, and you’re good to go! Pair them with some veggies, and you have a meal that everyone will enjoy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: You can choose bone-in for more flavor or boneless for convenience. If you don’t have pork, chicken breasts or thighs make a suitable substitution. Just adjust the cooking time since chicken can cook faster.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This gives the chops their signature flavor. If you’re out of the packet, mix equal parts of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and some salt instead. It’s quick and works surprisingly well!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but note that it may not thicken as much. In dairy-free options, coconut cream can add richness too!
Olive Oil: Any mild oil works if you’re out of olive oil. Try vegetable or canola oil, but I find olive oil gives a nice taste in this dish.
How Do I Ensure the Pork Chops are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pork chops can be tricky, but getting them just right can make all the difference! Follow these tips for success:
- Pat Dry: Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
- Heat the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chops. This seals in moisture and flavor.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 145°F (63°C); the pork will continue to cook a bit while resting.
- Let it Rest: Allow cooked chops to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy!
These techniques will help you achieve perfectly cooked, tender pork chops every time!
How to Make Ranch Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra color and flavor)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 25 minutes to get delicious ranch pork chops on your dinner table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Now, season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if you’d like an extra kick of flavor!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, carefully add the seasoned pork chops. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfect tenderness.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where all the flavor is!
4. Make it Creamy:
Next, stir the heavy cream into the skillet and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes or until it thickens slightly. This creamy sauce is going to be the star of the dish!
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of that lovely sauce over them. Let them warm through for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they’re heated just right.
6. Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh touch, and if you’re using them, add a sprig of rosemary for garnish. It’ll look so pretty!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the ranch pork chops hot, spooning extra ranch cream sauce over each chop. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
You’ll love how tender and flavorful these pork chops are, all thanks to the delicious ranch seasoning and creamy sauce. Enjoy your cooking! 🌿
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pork chops, you can also use boneless chicken breasts or thighs as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for chicken.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pork chops and the creamy sauce in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the pork chops until warmed through, and gently heat the sauce on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftover pork chops, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make it Spicier?
Definitely! If you prefer a kick of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or some hot sauce into the cream sauce while it simmers. You can adjust the spice level to your liking!
