Our Ranch Pork Chops are one of the easiest dinner recipes that’s a must-have in your recipe box! With only 3 ingredients, this easy pork chop recipe is on the table in just 20 minutes from start to finish! 

Pork chops made in a cast iron skillet are juicy, savory, and tangy, with herby flavors from the ranch seasoning. The pork chops get a nice caramelized sear on the outside, while the inside stays moist and tender for an easy pork chop recipe that satisfies your taste buds and your senses.

Ranch Pork Chops

This 3-ingredient ranch pork chop recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s packed with ranch flavor everyone will love!

With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish bursting with flavor. I repurposed the ranch seasoning I normally use for our favorite dip to season these incredibly tender and juicy pork chops.

I love how the ranch seasoning infuses the pork chops with a savory blend of herbs and tangy spices. As the pork chops cook, they develop a golden brown crust, sealing in the juiciness and intensifying the delicious flavors.

The result is tender, succulent pork chops full of tangy, herby freshness, and robust savory flavors. You’ll savor each juicy bite that will satisfy your taste buds and have you reaching for seconds.

Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook like me, this recipe guarantees a quick and effortless preparation with a mouthwatering outcome that will impress both family and guests.

Why I Love this Recipe

As a busy wife and mom trying to get dinner on the table every night for my family, I absolutely love the simplicity of this recipe. With just 3 ingredients and only 15-20 minutes of my time, this easy Ranch Pork Chop recipe makes dinner time so much easier for me.

My family LOVES this recipe too! I have no trouble bringing everyone to the table once they get a whiff of these savory ranch pork chops cooking in the skillet.

This recipe truly is a gem that brings together convenience and incredible flavor. It's a foolproof option that guarantees a satisfying and flavorful meal, making it a family favorite.

What is the secret to making tender pork chops?

By following these tips, you can achieve tender and juicy pork chops every time. Remember, proper cooking techniques, quality cuts, and attention to temperature are key factors in achieving perfectly cooked pork chops.

• Look for cuts labeled "loin" or "rib chops" as they will be more tender.
• Thickness matters: Select pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thicker chops are less likely to dry out during cooking, allowing for a more tender and succulent result.
• Don't overcook: Avoid overcooking the pork chops as it will result in tough, dry pork chops. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Cook the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees F, and then remove them from the heat. Letting the pork chops rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute and further enhances their tenderness.
• Searing and resting: Start by searing the pork chops over high heat to lock in the juices. This creates a flavorful crust on the outside. After searing, allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender final product.
  

Why is my pork chop pink inside?

By cooking pork to a medium or medium-rare level, the meat retains its juiciness, tenderness, and flavor. The slightly pink hue indicates that the chop has been cooked to the appropriate temperature while maintaining its desirable qualities.

The USDA recommends cooking pork to 145 degrees F. with at least a 3 minute rest time. I always cook to a temperature of 137-140 degrees and rest five minutes to allow the pork to finish cooking. This ensures your pork doesn't get overcooked.

To ensure accuracy, always use a reliable food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone, fat, or gristle. This will give you an accurate reading of the meat's doneness.

Remember to let the cooked pork rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final dish.

3 Ingredient Ranch Pork Chop Recipe

• Pork Chops: Opt for bone-in pork loin chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Choosing high-quality pork chops ensures better flavor and tenderness.
• Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mixture: The Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning packets provide the signature ranch flavor to the dish. I use 2 packets of the original ranch seasoning to ensure I coat the pork chops thoroughly in the ranch seasoning.
• Oil: The oil is used for cooking the pork chops and providing a nice sear. Opt for an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, to withstand the high heat without burning. Using a high-quality oil enhances the flavor and helps achieve a beautiful crust on the pork chops.

How to Make This Easy Pork Chop Recipe

Season: Pat the pork chops dry and coat both sides of the pork chops with the ranch seasoning. Note: I don't add salt and pepper as I don't feel the ranch seasoning needs it. If you want to mix in salt and pepper or another seasoning, I recommend emptying the seasoning packets into a small bowl and mixing in any other seasonings you'd like to add.

Heat skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat and add oil until heated

Sear: Gently place pork chops in the skillet and allow to sear 4-5 minutes on each side

Temp: Using an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chops, check the internal temperature. If the temperature is between 137-140 degrees F., remove them from the skillet. If the pork chops are not quite up to temperature, place the skillet in the preheated oven and cook a few more minutes until the pork chops read 137-140 degrees F.

Rest: Once pork chops are up to temperature, transfer them to a cutting board or baking sheet and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes. Don't skip this step. It is essential to rest the pork chops to finish cooking and for maximum juiciness.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Butter Basted Ranch Pork Chops: Once pork chops reach 137 degrees F., melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet and add a large clove of garlic. Once butter is melted, remove from heat and baste the pork chops with the garlic butter several times. Be sure to coat all sides of the chops with the garlic butter. Remove from the skillet and rest before serving.

Smoky Ranch Pork Chops: Add a smoky twist to the recipe by adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the ranch seasoning before seasoning the pork chops. This will give the dish a delicious smoky flavor.

Lemon Herb Ranch Pork Chops: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seasoned pork chops before cooking them. Additionally, sprinkle a mixture of chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley on top of the ranch seasoning for an extra burst of freshness and citrusy flavor.

Grilled Ranch Pork Chops: Instead of cooking the pork chops in a skillet, fire up the grill. Season the pork chops with the ranch seasoning and grill them over medium-high heat, turning once, until cooked through. Grilling adds a smoky and charred flavor to the dish.

What Do I Serve With Hidden Valley Ranch Pork Chops?

Mashed potatoes is my absolute favorite side dish to serve with this Easy Ranch Pork Chop recipe. The savory flavors of the pork chops complement the buttery and fluffy mashed potatoes perfectly.

Steamed Vegetables: Pair the pork chops with a side of steamed vegetables. Try my Steamed Vegetables with Garlic Butter.

Rice: Serve the ranch pork chops over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful juices from the pork chops, creating a tasty combination.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: The sweet and smoky flavors of the corn goes great with ranch pork chops, especially if you grill the pork chops too!

Garden Salad: For a low carb, healthier side dish serve the ranch pork chops alongside a refreshing garden salad.

Baked Sweet Potatoes: Pair the pork chops with baked sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the savory flavors of the ranch seasoning. So good!!

More Pork Chop Recipes

• Peach Glazed Pork Chops and Stuffing
• Greek Style Pork Chops
• Pan Seared Pork Chops with an Herb Butter Sauce
• Chili Rubbed Pork Chops
• All of our Pork Recipes

Ranch Pork Chops Only 3 Ingredients!

Yield: 4

Author: Life Tastes Good

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinInactive time: 5 MinTotal time: 20 Min

With hardly any prep time and only 3 ingredients, these Ranch Pork Chops make an easy dinner recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork loin chops at least 1” thick
• 2 packets Hidden Valley Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix
• 2 tablespoons oil - use a high smoke point oil such as avocado oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel.
3. Season both sides of pork chops with the ranch seasoning.
4. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. The oil should cover the bottom of the skillet.
5. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes. Don’t crowd the skillet. Cook pork chops in batches if needed. Watch closely to make sure the pork chops don’t burn. Turn the heat down to medium if needed, to avoid burning.
6. Flip each pork chop and sear the other side for 4-5 minutes.
7. Use an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chops to check the temperature. If the thickest part of the pork chops is 137-140 degrees F., remove the chops from the skillet and rest 5-10 minutes.
8. If your pork chops are thicker than 1”, they might not be up to temperature. Put the oven safe skillet into the preheated oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 137-140 degrees F. Always rest the pork chops at least 5-10 minutes as this allows the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Notes

• Use pork chops at least 1” thick so you can get a good sear on them without overcooking.
• Don’t crowd the skillet. Cook chops in batches if needed.
• Don’t move the pork chops around while searing. Let them sear a good 3 minutes before checking to make sure they aren’t burning. If they start to burn, turn the heat down to medium.
• Always cook by temperature, not time when cooking meat. Use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature to ensure the pork chops are properly cooked.
• When cooking pork chops that are more than 1” thick, they might need more time in the oven. I like to have the oven preheated just in case I need it. Closely monitor the internal temperature of the pork chops by using an oven meat thermometer. Remove the pork chops from the oven when the temperature is between 137-140 degrees.
• Garnish with chopped parsley if you like for a beautiful presentation

Nutrition Facts

Calories

209.09

Fat (grams)

9.3 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

3.28 g

Carbs (grams)

0.28 g

Fiber (grams)

0 g

Net carbs

0.28 g

Sugar (grams)

0 g

Protein (grams)

28.88 g

Sodium (milligrams)

118.47 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

89.78 mg

Nutrition label disclaimer: Nutrient values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product availability and food preparation. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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Ranch Pork Chops, 3 ingredient pork chops, pork chops

Dinner

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless pork chops for this recipe, but you will have to adjust the cook time lower. Keep in mind that bone-in pork chops are juicier and have more flavor.

Can I use homemade ranch seasoning instead of store-bought packets?

Absolutely! If you have a homemade ranch seasoning blend that you prefer, feel free to use it in this recipe. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

Can I marinate the pork chops in the ranch seasoning?

This recipe does not require marinating the pork chops. However, if you prefer a stronger ranch flavor, you can marinate the pork chops in the ranch seasoning for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.

Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?

I have seen recipes for crock pot ranch pork chops, however, I do not recommend it. Searing pork chops in a skillet is essential to get a nice caramelized crust that enhances the flavor you just can’t get when making slow cooker pork chops. You will never achieve that level of flavor using a slow cooker. Also, this recipe takes just 20 minutes tops to make, there’s no need to spend more time using a crock pot.

Can I substitute the oil with butter?

I do not recommend using butter to sear the pork chops. The butter will burn in the high heat. The burned butter will add a bitter flavor to the pork chops. I recommend using an oil with a high smoke point to sear the pork chops. Once the chops reach 137 degrees F. you can then melt butter in the skillet and remove from the heat and baste the pork chops with the butter to add a wonderful richness to this recipe.

How can I tell if the pork chops are cooked through?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the pork chops. Cook the pork chops to 137-140 degrees and then allow to rest. Resting the pork chops will continue to cook and reach the desired temperature of 145 degrees F.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed immediately after resting to preserve its texture and flavors. However, you can prep the pork chops by seasoning them in advance and refrigerating them until ready to cook.

How should I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through.