There's something truly special about a perfectly cooked pork chop, seared to golden perfection and bursting with flavor. This Texas Roadhouse-inspired pork chop recipe brings the bold, savory taste of the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen. Juicy, tender, and covered in a mouthwatering seasoning blend, it's the ultimate comfort food.
I first fell in love with these pork chops after dining at Texas Roadhouse with friends. The blend of smoky, slightly sweet, and peppery flavors had me hooked from the first bite. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve finally recreated that same restaurant-quality dish at home, and now, I’m sharing it with you.
Why You'll Love This Texas Roadhouse Pork Chop Recipe
Get ready to enjoy one of the juiciest and most flavorful pork chop recipes you've ever tried. This dish is packed with everything you love about Texas Roadhouse's signature chops.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
The seasoning blend is what sets this dish apart. A mix of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, creates the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Cooking pork chops at home can sometimes result in dry meat, but this method ensures a tender, juicy bite every time. A quick sear followed by oven roasting locks in the juices and enhances the rich flavors.
If you’re looking for a meal that pairs well with a variety of sides, this is it. Serve your pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these pork chops comes from the combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the perfect seasoning mix. Here’s what makes this recipe shine.
Pork Chops – Thick-cut, bone-in pork chops work best for this recipe. They stay juicier than thinner cuts and develop a nice crust when seared.
Brown Sugar – This adds a slight caramelized sweetness that balances out the smoky spices. It also helps create a rich, flavorful crust when searing the meat.
Smoked Paprika – This spice gives the pork chops their signature smoky depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but you’ll miss that hint of smokiness.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder – These two seasonings enhance the pork's natural flavor and bring a savory depth to every bite.
Butter – A little melted butter basted over the pork chops towards the end of cooking adds richness and helps keep them moist.
A cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for this recipe. It retains heat well, ensuring a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
How To Make This Texas Roadhouse Pork Chop Recipe
Creating these flavorful pork chops is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect balance of a crisp crust and a juicy center.
Start by preparing the seasoning blend. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This combination creates the signature Texas Roadhouse flavor.
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential for getting that perfect sear. Generously coat both sides of each pork chop with the seasoning blend, pressing it into the meat to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once the pan is hot, place the pork chops in the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. During the last couple of minutes, baste the pork chops with melted butter to enhance the flavor and juiciness.
Once done, remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, store them properly to enjoy later. Place cooled pork chops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture and flavor, reheat them in a skillet over low heat with a little butter until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze the pork chops in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak it to fit your preferences or available ingredients.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This will give your pork chops a bit of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
For a different texture, you can coat the pork chops in a light flour dusting before searing. This creates an even crispier crust and enhances the caramelization.
Swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup if you want a deeper sweetness. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious glaze effect.
For a smoky barbecue twist, try adding a teaspoon of your favorite BBQ rub to the seasoning mix. This will give the pork chops an extra depth of flavor, perfect for summer grilling.
Cooking at home gives you the freedom to experiment, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Whether you follow it exactly or put your own spin on it, you’re in for a flavorful and satisfying meal every time.
PrintTexas Roadhouse Pork Chop Recipe
Make tender and juicy Texas Roadhouse-style pork chops at home with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and seared for incredible flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and brown sugar.
- Rub the pork chops with Worcestershire sauce, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet and sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium, add chicken broth, and cover. Cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the pork chops in Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
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