Baked Pork Chops Recipe

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 400 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.

2. 2

   Generously season the pork chops with salt and pepper on all sides.

3. 3

   Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat.

4. 4

   When the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the pan.

5. 5

   Leave untouched until golden brown around the bottom edge of the meat, about 3 minutes.

6. 6

   Turn the pork chops over, using tongs.

7. 7

   Immediately place the skillet in the oven to finish cooking.

8. 8

   Cook until the internal temperature of the chops reaches 145 degrees F at the thickest part, about 5 to 8 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of your chops.

9. 9

   They should end up cooked medium, still slightly pink in the middle.

10. 10

    Take the skillet out of the oven, loosely cover the pork chops with foil, and set aside to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

11. 11

    Meanwhile, set a large skillet or frying pan over high heat.

12. 12

    Add the pancetta and herbs.

13. 13

    Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the pancetta, stirring continuously to break up any large clumps, until all the fat is rendered and the pancetta is crispy.

14. 14

    Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

15. 15

    Season with black pepper (the pancetta will already have enough salt) and set aside.

16. 16

    Transfer the pork chops to warmed serving plates and spoon the pancetta mixture on top.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.