Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Crispy Lemon Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 1 poundrusset potatoes
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- 2lemon
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 1 tablespoonfresh thyme
- ½ cupchicken broth
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
Prep
- 01
Cut 1 pound russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes (no need to peel).
- 02
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
- 03
Zest both lemons and halve them for juicing.
Method
- 01
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, place the pork chops in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- 02
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the potato pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until they start to soften and brown at the edges.
- 03
Add the minced garlic and thyme to the potatoes and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, the juice of 1 lemon, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 04
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the potatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the liquid reduces slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice from the remaining lemon half.
- 05
Transfer to plates and spoon the pan sauce and potatoes over the pork chops. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For a hint of heat and more complexity, add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika with the garlic and thyme. A small pinch of red pepper flakes works too. If you like it herbier, tear fresh mint or parsley over the dish just before serving for brightness that echoes the lemon.
Pork chops cook quickly, so don't skip checking the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. If your potatoes aren't quite tender when the pork reaches temperature, remove the pork, cover it, and simmer the potatoes a few minutes longer.