These Mississippi Pork Chops are juicy and packed with flavor! They are cooked until tender with a tasty mix of ranch seasoning and pepperoncini, which gives them a nice kick.
Every bite of these chops makes your taste buds dance! I love to serve them with mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s an easy meal that feels like a treat! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are fantastic for this dish as they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. If you only have boneless chops, they will work too; just reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This seasoning is key for flavor! If you’re out, you can make a homemade version using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mix provides great taste and aroma.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These bring a tangy, mild heat. No pepperoncini? You can substitute sliced jalapeños or even banana peppers for a similar zing, but adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a creamy richness to the sauce. Feel free to replace it with olive oil to make the dish lighter, or use margarine if you’re dairy-free.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Tender and Juicy?
Cooking pork chops to juicy perfection takes a little care! Here are essential tips to keep them tender:
- Dry and Season: Always pat your pork chops dry before grilling. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Searing: Start with medium-high heat to get that crispy, golden crust. Make sure not to overcrowd your skillet to maintain the heat.
- Slow Cooking: After searing, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. This allows them to cook through gently, absorbing the saucy flavors.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer! Pork is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C). This keeps the meat juicy and safe to eat.
Follow these key steps for mouthwatering, tender Mississippi Pork Chops every time!
How to Make Mississippi Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (half a stick)
- 5-6 pepperoncini peppers, plus 2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to cook, for a total of approximately 30-35 minutes. You’ll have delicious and tender pork chops ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly. Next, season both sides of the chops with black pepper and garlic powder if you like a little extra flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them until they are beautifully golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Build the Sauce in the Skillet:
Now, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt, making sure to scrape up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Once melted, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the pork chops, making sure they are well coated.
4. Add Pepperoncini and Juice:
Next, arrange the pepperoncini peppers on top of the pork chops. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the pepperoncini juice over everything, adding a nice tangy flavor to the sauce.
5. Slow Cook the Pork Chops:
Cover the skillet with a lid or some foil to trap the heat. Lower the heat to low and let the chops simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This will ensure the pork cooks through and becomes tender. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Serve:
Once the pork chops are cooked, use a spoon to scoop the buttery sauce and peppers over them. Garnish with dried parsley for a pop of color!
7. Optional Serving Suggestion:
These pork chops are perfect when served with creamy mashed potatoes or some steamed veggies to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
This recipe yields tender, flavorful pork chops infused with the tangy and slightly spicy flavor of pepperoncini and ranch seasoning, a true Southern-style comfort meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine. Just remember to reduce the cooking time slightly, as they cook faster than bone-in chops.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
If you’re out of ranch seasoning, you can make a quick substitute by combining dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend will mimic the flavor of ranch effectively!
How Do I Know When the Pork Chops Are Done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Pork is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures that the meat is juicy and safe to eat!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pork chops and sauce up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to help refresh the sauce.
