Mississippi Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! These delicious chops are cooked with butter, ranch seasoning, and pepperoncini, giving them a nice kick.
I love how easy they are to make, just sear and bake! They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes for a comfort meal. You might even catch me sneaking bites straight from the pan! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for this recipe because they keep the meat juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, feel free to use boneless chops. Just adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
Ranch Seasoning: This spice mix adds a lot of flavor! If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can mix equal parts dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and buttermilk powder as a substitute.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These add a tangy zing! If you can’t find them, you could use banana peppers or even jalapeños for some heat. Remember to adjust to your spice preference.
Chicken Broth: You can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a meat-free option or use water in a pinch, but broth enhances the flavor of the sauce.
How Do You Get a Beautiful Sear on Your Pork Chops?
The searing process is key to locking in flavor and juices. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Heat the oil until it is hot and shimmering, but not smoking—this prevents the chops from sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to keep that high heat!
- Let them sear without moving them for 3-4 minutes, then flip for another 3-4 minutes for a nice golden crust. It’s worth the wait!
With these tips, you’ll achieve that perfect sear and juicy pork chops every time! Enjoy your dish! 🌟
How to Make Delicious Mississippi Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (half a stick)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 5-6 pepperoncini peppers, stems removed
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 20-25 minutes to cook, including both searing and baking. In under 40 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your chops.
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get that beautiful sear! Next, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for great flavor.
3. Sear the Chops:
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Once melted, stir in the ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and pepperoncini juice, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
5. Add the Chops Back:
Place the seared pork chops back into the skillet. Make sure to spoon some of that delicious sauce over the top of the chops. Tuck the pepperoncini peppers around the chops in the skillet. This will infuse even more flavor!
6. Bake:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Serve:
Once they’re ready, take the skillet out of the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes in the sauce. This helps them stay juicy. Spoon more sauce over the chops, and if you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your Mississippi Pork Chops with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides, and don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce over everything! Enjoy this hearty meal with family and friends!
These Mississippi Pork Chops will be a hit, with their tender meat and tangy, buttery sauce. Have fun cooking!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just keep an eye on them while cooking, as they may need less time in the oven—check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can mix equal parts of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder for a similar flavor profile. Buttermilk powder is also a great addition if you have it!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pork chops and the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. If reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet or microwave, adding a little broth if needed to keep the sauce moist.
