BEST WAY TO SEASON PORK CHOPS RECIPES

Steps:

• Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator and season on both sides with salt and pepper — we use just less than 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt per pork chop. Set the chops aside to rest for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the spice rub. In a small bowl, mix the flour, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. After 30 minutes, use a paper towel to pat the pork chops dry then rub both sides of the chops with the spice rub.
• Heat the oil in a medium skillet (with lid) over medium-high heat. As soon as the oil is hot and looks shimmery, add the pork. Cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Flip the pork so that the seared side is facing up. (If there is a fattier side of the pork, use kitchen tongs to hold the chops, fat-side-down until it sizzles and browns slightly; about 30 seconds.) Reduce the heat to low then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook 6 to 12 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the chop. (Since cook time depends on the thickness of the chops, check for doneness at 5 minutes then go from there, checking every 2 minutes). If you do not have a thermometer, you will know they are done, if when cutting into the chops, the juices run clear.
• Transfer pork chops to a plate then cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes.
• While the pork rests, make the pan sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high then add the chicken stock, vinegar, and honey. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan so that any stuck bits of pork come up. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half. Taste then adjust the seasoning with salt, more vinegar or honey. Slide the skillet off of the heat and when the sauce is no longer simmering, swirl in the butter. Slide the pork chops back into the pan and spoon some of the sauce on top. Alternatively, slice the chops then place back into the pan. Scatter fresh parsley over the pork then serve.

Steps:

• Combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub over both sides of pork chops.
• Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted. Add the pork chops to the pan and brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove pork chops to a clean plate.
• Add the onion and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
• Stir in the flour followed by the chicken broth. Cook, stirring and scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, for a few minutes until the broth simmers and thickens. It should lightly coat the back of a spatula. Remove pan from the heat.
• Pour the contents of the skillet into the slow cooker. Place the pork chops on top. Cover and cook on low setting for 1 ½ to 3 hours. Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145° F. (In my slow cooker, 1-inch thick boneless pork chops need about 1 ½-2 hours to cook through and bone-in take about 2 ½-3 hours.) Try to avoid over-cooking the pork chops, as that will make them dry.*
• Optional: To further thicken the gravy, remove the cooked pork chops to a clean plate and cover with foil. Turn the slow cooker up to high. In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, until the gravy thickens slightly. (Alternatively, you can heat the gravy in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring, for a few minutes until thickened.)
• Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Serve pork chops with mushroom gravy.