Pork Chops with Homemade Poultry Seasoning is my go-to Wednesday meal because it’s fast, relatively cheap and healthy. By the time Wednesday runs around we’re usually running low or are out of nearly everything. In fact, that’s how I came up with this recipe. I needed something fast, easy and preschooler friendly. Buy a pork loin, clean it, and cut it into chops. This is the cheapest way to get pork chops, since we are cheap people. You can clean pork loins, cut them into chops, and freeze them if you buy them on sale. Then pull them out the day before you need them.
I usually make a big batch of poultry seasoning and use it whenever needed. Why do I make my own seasoning instead of buying it already mixed? For starters, it’s less expensive. Second, you can control what’s in there. You can be sure there is no MSG or other “flavor enhancers” hidden in it if you make it yourself. These can be inflammatory for many people and lead to weight gain, migraines, and other problems. Like us, you need to eat low-sodium food, so making your own seasoning mixes is the best thing you can do. Store bought usually has tons of sodium, and you just don’t need that to get good flavor.
In a ceramic coated frying pan heat up some salted butter (preferably grassfed). Add your pork chops. Sprinkle on your poultry seasoning. Brown the chops. I like to brown on one side, reduce heat and cover for a while. I like my meat DONE. Take the cover off and finish browning. You could also do this on the grill; just brush the chops with melted butter and sprinkle them with poultry seasoning. Serve with heaps of steamed broccoli & carrots in grassfed butter. If you’re sensitive to dairy or are Paleo/Whole 30, use ghee or refined coconut oil. Lard would work too. I’m guessing this would be good on chicken or turkey too, I just haven’t tried it yet.
Pork chops can get boring fast with the same old recipes. If you’re looking to add an extra kick of flavor to your pork dishes, consider reaching for an unexpected seasoning poultry seasoning.
Typically used for poultry, this blend of herbs and spices can also do wonders for pork. The savory mix enhances the natural flavors of the meat without overpowering it.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using poultry seasoning on pork chops. You’ll learn what’s in the seasoning, how to use it, recipe ideas, and tips for maximum flavor. Let’s get cooking!
What is Poultry Seasoning?
Poultry seasoning is a versatile blend of dried herbs and spices commonly used for chicken and turkey recipes It generally contains some combination of the following ingredients
- Sage
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
- Black pepper
- Nutmeg
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Celery seed
These herbs and spices create a savory, earthy flavor profile. The mild taste of pork goes well with the mix of sweet and bitter notes.
While “poultry” is in the name, this seasoning can work with all kinds of proteins The key aromatics like sage, pepper, and thyme complement and enhance pork’s natural taste
Why Use Poultry Seasoning on Pork Chops?
You may be wondering why you’d use a seasoning meant for chicken on pork. Here are some of the benefits:
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Adds flavor complexity – The blend of herbs provides more depth and dimension than just salt and pepper.
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Enhances natural flavor – Pork already has mild sweet/savory notes that this seasoning brings out.
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Simple to use—you probably already have it in your pantry, and all it takes is a quick sprinkle.
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Flexible—it can be used for any way to cook pork chops, like grilling, pan-frying, baking, and more.
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Familiar but unique – Gives a recognizable flavor that’s still different from your usual pork herbs.
So if you’re looking to add big flavor without much effort, poultry seasoning is a great option for your pork chops.
How to Use Poultry Seasoning on Pork Chops
Using poultry seasoning on pork chops is simple. Here are some easy ways to incorporate it into your recipes:
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Sprinkle it on: Sprinkle it directly onto the raw pork chops right before cooking. Use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per chop depending on size.
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Mix into a rub: Combine 2-3 teaspoons of poultry seasoning with olive oil, salt, pepper, and/or spices like garlic powder to make a wet or dry rub. Coat the pork chops thoroughly.
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Make a marinade: Whisk poultry seasoning into oil, vinegar/citrus juice, and other flavorings for a tasty marinade. Let chops soak for 30 mins to an hour.
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Add to breading: For breaded chops, mix poultry seasoning into flour or panko breadcrumbs before dredging. Fry until golden brown.
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Stir into a sauce: Add a dash of poultry seasoning into pan sauces, gravies, glazes or dressings to serve with cooked pork.
Start with about 1/2 teaspoon per pound of pork chops. Adjust to your taste preference. Apply the seasoning right before cooking so the flavor stays vibrant.
Cooking Methods for Poultry Seasoned Pork Chops
Pork chops seasoned with poultry seasoning can be cooked many different ways. Some of the most popular cooking methods include:
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Pan-frying: Dredge seasoned chops in flour then fry in oil over medium-high heat for 2-4 minutes per side.
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Grilling: Coat chops with a spice rub then grill over direct medium heat for about 4-7 minutes per side.
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Baking: Arrange seasoned chops on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until done.
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Broiling: Top seasoned chops with extra herbs and broil for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Air frying: Air fry seasoned, breaded chops at 370°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Slow cooking: Add chops to a slow cooker with seasoning and liquid. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
The poultry seasoning will infuse the pork with flavor during the cooking process. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chops reach 145°F internal temperature. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5 Delicious Poultry Seasoned Pork Chop Recipes
To get you started, here are 5 tasty recipe ideas that use poultry seasoning to give pork chops a flavor boost:
1. Poultry Seasoned Pork Chops with Apples
Coat chops in a rub of poultry seasoning, brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Pan fry chops and apples for a sweet flavor contrast.
2. Poultry Seasoned Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner
Toss chopped potatoes and carrots with oil, poultry seasoning, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast alongside seasoned pork chops for an easy one-pan meal.
3. BBQ Poultry Seasoned Pork Chops
Grill seasoned pork chops basted in a zesty BBQ sauce blend of ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, and poultry seasoning.
4. Poultry Seasoned Pork Chops and Gravy
Pan fry breaded, seasoned chops. Make gravy from pan drippings, milk, flour, and extra poultry seasoning. Serve chops smothered in savory gravy.
5. Poultry Seasoned Pork Chop Salad
Top a bed of greens with grilled poultry seasoned pork chops, tomatoes, bell peppers, shredded cheese, and a vinaigrette with added seasoning blend.
Tips for Cooking Perfectly Seasoned Pork Chops
To get the most out of your poultry seasoned pork chops, keep these tips in mind:
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Pat chops dry before seasoning to help it stick. Rub seasoning into all sides.
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Avoid over-seasoning with salt when using seasoning blends which already contain salt.
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Allow time to marinate chops for 30-60 minutes to let flavor penetrate deeper.
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Sear chops first on the stovetop before finishing cooking in the oven. This locks in flavor.
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Let chops rest at least 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to re-distribute.
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Pair with complementary flavors like apple, sage, onion, mushrooms,
Pork Chops with Homemade Poultry Seasoning
Pork chops with poultry seasoning
FAQ
What is the secret to moist pork chops?
What is the best seasoning for pork chops on the stove?
The best seasoning for cooking pork chops on the stove is salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Salt gives the pork chop flavor, pepper adds a spicy kick, and garlic powder provides an earthy flavor that will make your mouth water.
Can you cook pork chops after seasoning?
You can cook pork chops right after seasoning them, but for more flavor, let the seasoning penetrate the meat for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Alternatively, you can season your pork chops and leave them to marinate in a covered container in the refrigerator overnight.
How do you apply pork chop seasoning?
To apply pork chop seasoning, sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon on each side of the chop. If you prefer a heavier flavor, you can use 1 teaspoon. Sprinkle the seasoning on the pork chops and let it penetrate the meat for at least 20 minutes before cooking, if desired. This spice blend is packed with flavor, so you can cook your pork chops right after seasoning them.
Can you season pork chops with sugar?
When seasoning pork chops, it’s best to avoid using seasonings with high sugar content, as they can easily burn and create a bitter taste. It’s also a good idea to avoid using too much salt, as it can overpower the natural flavor of the meat. Regarding sugar, Absolutely, you can use citrus flavors when seasoning pork chops.