Lemon Pepper Pork Chops (Pork Chops with Lemon Pepper)

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This lemon pepper pork chops recipe is easy to make and loaded with the delicious flavors of lemon, pepper, mustard, and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes. This pork chops with lemon pepper recipe is a definite keeper.

An overhead closeup of a cooked lemon pepper pork chop surrounded by 3 lemon slices in pan.

The only thing that pairs with as many flavors as chicken is pork. I love making all kinds of pork chops, from BBQ to Asian-inspired. One of my favorite recipes is this one that features pork chops with lemon pepper, and more tasty flavors. This recipe is also finished in less than 30 minutes.

Pork Chops with Lemon Pepper

This quick and easy recipe was inspired by my air fryer lemon pepper chicken bites and honey garlic lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe on this site and pairs well with this amazing air fryer potatoes recipe.

Better yet, if you're looking for ideas on what to serve with pork chops I have created a list of our favorites for you to consider.

Why You Will Love Lemon Pepper Pork Chops

Tender and juicy pork chops that are full of flavor
Easy to follow instructions
Quick cooking time
Uses simple ingredients that are readily available in most pantries
Perfectly cooked pork chops every time
Enjoyable meal that can be shared with family or friends

Ingredients

This recipe only uses simple ingredients to create delicious flavors. You'll find everything you need at your local grocery store.

Boneless pork chops - thick cut
Dijon mustard
Lemon - juiced
Lemon - sliced
Lemon pepper seasoning
Garlic salt
Minced garlic
Butter
Red pepper flakes

Substitutions

Don't have the correct ingredients on hand or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this lemon pepper pork chops recipe.

Boneless pork chops - thick cut - use bone in pork chops if desired and increase cooking time slightly or thinner pork chops and reduce cook time slightly
Real Lemon Juice - If you don't have a lemon, use a tablespoon of Real Lemon juice.
Any Mustard - Dijon is my mustard of choice for this recipe, but any mustard will do.

Variations

Want to personalize this lemon pepper pork chops recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

Mild - Omit the red pepper flakes for a mild recipe.
Sliced Onions - Add sliced onions to the pan while searing the pork chops for more flavor.
Butter - Use olive oil or another vegetable oil instead

If you love thick cut pork chops recipes like this, you may also enjoy these sweet glazed pork chops, creamy roasted red pepper pork chops and maple mustard glazed pork chops.

Instructions

Making these pork chops is a very simple affair. It only takes a few steps.

Step 1: Prep

Mustard coated pork chops seasoned with Lemon pepper and garlic salt.

Bring the pork chops to room temperature for even cooking. Then, brush mustard on the pork chops and season them on both side with lemon pepper and garlic salt.

Step 2: Cook the Pork Chops

Adding fresh lemon juice to melted butter in the frying pan.

Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat on stove top and juice a lemon into the butter.

Pork chops added to the frying pan. Each pork chop is topped with minced garlic and a slice of lemon.

Cooked lemon pepper jack pork chops in a frying pan.

Then, add the pork chops and top each one with minced garlic and a lemon slice. Cook for 4 minutes.

Move the lemon slices from the pork chops to the center of the pan, then flip the pork chops. Season with a pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for 4 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. Cook time may vary slightly depending on exact size of pork chops.

Step 3: Serve

Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Hint: Remove the chops at an internal temperature of 140 degrees. Carry-over cooking will bring them to 145 degrees while they rest.

Close up of cooked Pork chop with lemon pepper in cast iron pan.

Storage

Store these chops in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat simply place them in a baking dish with a little water. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.

To freeze place them in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Tips

Although this is a simple recipe, I do have some tips to help you make it as tasty as it can possibly be.

Before cooking the pork chops, pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure seasoning sticks to each pork chop.
Allow pork to come to room temperature before cooking for an even cook and tender, juicy flavor.
Use your thermometer so you don't overcook your pork chops. Once they reach the correct internal temperature, remove them from the pan so they stay juicy.
Always let your pork chops rest so they can fully cook and all those juices stay inside them.

FAQ

Do you have questions about lemon pepper pork chops? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this lemon pepper pork chops recipe.

Is 140 degrees too low for pork chops?

The optimal internal temperature for pork chops is 145 degrees. However, removing them from heat and allowing them to rest for 5 minutes before serving will give your pork chops time to finish cooking on their own.

Can I use other spices besides lemon pepper in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute or mix different spices according to your preference. Try experimenting with other herbs and spices such as oregano, paprika, cumin, thyme or parsley for added flavor and complexity.

How thick should the pork chops be?

The pork chops should be cut to a thickness of 1.5 inches for best results. If your pork chops are thinner reduce cooking time accordingly.

Closeup overhead photo of Lemon Pepper Pork Chops on a white plate. One pork chop is sliced. Fresh parsley and slices of lemons next to the pork chops.

More Pork Chop Recipes

Do you like pork chops? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

Lemon Pepper Pork Chops Video