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.
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
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
Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat on stove top and juice a lemon into the butter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Pork Chop Recipes
Do you like pork chops? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Lemon Pepper Pork Chops Video
Lemon Pepper Pork Chops
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Lemon Pepper Pork Chops (Pork Chops with Lemon Pepper)
Equipment
- Cast Iron or Nonstick skillet
Ingredients
- 3 Boneless Pork chops thick cut, 1.5”
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 1 Lemon sliced
- ½ tablespoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Get out and measure your ingredients.
- Allow pork to come to room temp before cooking. (About 20 minutes) this assures an even cook and tender/ juicy flavor.
- Preheat a frying pan over medium high heat.
- Brush mustard over the pork chops.
- Then season both sides with lemon pepper and garlic salt.
- Add butter to the pan.
- Once melted, juice the lemon into the butter.
- Add pork to the pan. Top each with minced garlic and a lemon slice. Cook for 4 minutes.
- Remove the lemon slices and place them into the center of the pan when ready to flip. Flip the pork chops and season with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for 4 more minutes.
- Cooking times may vary depending on exact thickness of the meat. Check internal temp has reached 140 degrees before removing pork. Remember pork will continue to rise in temperature as it rests to 145 degrees.
- Remove and place onto a wooden cutting board to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy every bite!
Video
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
Kayla says
Fed this to company last night and it was the star of the show. This pork chop recipe is amazing. We all loved it and will definitely make again. I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Love your lemon pepper chicken thighs too. Thank you so much for sharing 💕
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for taking the time to comment and let me know. I’m so glad you enjoy these pork chops and the chicken thighs too. They’re a favorite around here. I love lemon pepper everything. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much. Karin