This recipe for Barbecue Pork Chops is cooked on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet but tastes as if they were just grilled in your backyard. BBQ pork chops can be pan-seared or baked and are quick and easy to make.
If you are anything like me, you might have memories of eating dry pork chops topped with bagged sauerkraut. Well, put those memories in the past. This juicy pork chop recipe is one that the whole family will love!
These BBQ Pork Chops are so simple to make in a cast-iron skillet, and they are such an easy weeknight dinner to pull together. They can be pan-seared or baked in the oven to fit everyone's comfort level in the kitchen. I know baked pork chops are often associated with dry, boring pork chops, but this recipe is the opposite - paired with some tangy bbq sauce, these juicy pork chops are one of our favorite dinners!
You all know that I love simple recipes, and this is no exception. The pork chops are such a simple main dish to prepare with just a few minutes of prep, then all you need are a few of your favorite sides, and you can have an easy meal on the dinner table in no time. I love easy recipes, and these juicy chops are no exception - there's a reason they are one of my most popular recipes!
Ingredient Notes
All you need to pull together this easy pork recipe are:
- Boneless Pork Chops, about 1 ½ inches thick - You can use bone-in pork chops as well, we just prefer the boneless chops when cooking in the skillet because they take up less space. (When we grill pork chops, you can be sure we use bone-in pork chops!)
- Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper - To season the pork with.
- Barbecue Sauce - We use our favorite store-bought bbq sauce, but if you want to use a homemade bbq sauce, feel free to do that!
Equipment Needed
- A Cast Iron Pan or Heavy-Bottomed Skillet (or, if you are baking your chops, an Oven-Safe Skillet) - I also like to use a handle guard on the skillet in case kids (or I forget) accidentally grab the handle of the hot skillet.
- Tongs
- An Instant Read Thermometer or Meat Thermometer
How to Make Them
Preheat your cast-iron skillet on medium heat. While that is preheating, rub your pork chops with olive oil. I like to do this instead of pouring the oil into the skillet to cut down on the splattering of oil that can happen. You will still get some oil splatter, but by rubbing the oil onto the pork chops, there will be less. (When we cook on the gas stove, the less splattering oil, the better!)
Then season them on both sides with a good amount of salt and pepper.
Once the skillet is nice and hot, add a small amount of oil, swirl it around, then carefully place the prepared pork chops into the skillet. Cook them for 7-8 minutes, then flip them.
Once they are all flipped over, pour some of your favorite barbecue sauce over the top of the chops, letting it drip down a little on the sides. The amount of sauce you use is up to you, but for best results, do not use too much.
I usually put enough on to lightly cover the pork chops and a little down the sides. You can add more after the pork chops are done cooking, but if you add too much, it can overpower the pork chops (and it can also burn onto the pan), so don't overdo it!
Let them cook for an additional 7-8 minutes.
If you have a meat thermometer, you can check the internal temperature to make sure they are done. The temperature should be 145°F when they are done. (Thicker pork chops might take a little longer to cook.)
How to Make Baked Barbecue Pork Chops
If any oil splattering is something you would like to avoid, or if you need the stove for something else, you can cook the pork chops in the oven instead.
Simply preheat your cast-iron skillet in the oven at 350°F to get it nice and hot, then place the prepared pork chops in the heated skillet and let them cook for 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway through if desired, and add sauce. Again, I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check to make sure that they are done. Thick pork chops might take a little longer to cook. The internal temperature should be 145°F.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops
Once they have cooled, store leftover pork chops in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep for 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or microwave, or eat cold on a sandwich.
Helpful Tips
- Try to be aware of the thickness of your pork chops and keep them as close in size as possible so that they cook evenly. If they are not all the same size, take the temperature of the smallest pork chop first and remove it from heat if it is done first. Overcooked pork can get very dry.
- I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check to make sure that the pork is cooked. The internal temperature should be 145°F. It can still be pink inside while safe to eat.
Pork Chop Variations
- Use a Dry Rub - Before searing the pork, you can season the chops with a simple rub. A bbq spice rub adds a little bit more flavor, but don't use too much, as pork is light and can be overpowered easily by too much seasoning.
- Use a Good BBQ Sauce - Use a good barbecue sauce with a smoky flavor to really flavor the pork chops.
- Sweeten the Pork - If desired, you can mix a little dark brown sugar or maple syrup with the barbecue sauce or a bbq rub before coating the pork to make a flavorful sauce for the pork.
Side Dishes for Pork Chops
Of course, we top these pork chops with more of our favorite bbq sauce. I like to warm some up on the side.
These pork chops go great with a side dish of veggies, and if you like potatoes, I have two easy and delicious potato recipes that would go great with these pork chops for you to try:
- Oven Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
- Baked French Fries - French fries are a favorite in our house. They take just a little bit longer to make than using store-bought French fries, but they are so worth it. They take about 15 minutes to prepare. (If you are short on time, you can always just throw some frozen french fries in the oven.)
- Cheesy Potatoes - I love to make cheesy hashbrowns in the crockpot. It's such an easy and delicious side dish.
- Southern-Style Green Beans
- Frozen Vegetables - I know it sounds lame, but frozen vegetables are such an easy way to cook up a simple side in just a little time.
You can find more Pork Chop Side Dishes here.
Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and rating below. I love hearing from you.
Barbecue Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops about 1 ½ inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (approximately)
- kosher salt as needed to season both sides of each pork chop
- black pepper as needed to season both sides of each pork chop
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce (approximately)
Instructions
- Preheat cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Rub the pork chops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on each side of the pork chops.4 boneless pork chops, 1 tablespoon olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper
- Place pork chops in the skillet once it is hot.
- Cook for 7-8 minutes on one side and flip the pork chops. Pour the barbecue sauce on the pork chops (just on one side) and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes.¼ cup barbecue sauce
- If you have a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature. It should read 145°F once done.
- Serve with additional barbecue sauce, optional.
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