The search for compelling weeknight dinner recipes is always ongoing. Just when you think you’re set with slow cooker chicken recipes, you realize that you need more than poultry in your life. You include healthy salmon into your routine and vegetarian tacos for meatless Monday, but there’s still something that you’re missing — pork chops. They’re a great alternative to chicken that doesn’t get enough love. If you’re stuck in a dinner rut, scroll down to discover 18 delicious reasons why pork chops should be your new favorite *easy* weeknight protein.
1. Balsamic, Honey and Mustard Pork Chops: It’s amazing what you can create with ingredients you already have in your fridge. Whisk together blackberry jam, balsamic and honey with soy sauce, Sriracha and dijon for the most flavorful marinade ever. (via Closet Cooking)
2. Honey Soy Grilled Pork Chops: Here’s your excuse to fire up the grill and have an impromptu party. These honey-soy chops are perfect for feeding a crowd. (via Diethood)
3. One Pan Ranch Pork Chops and Veggies: Cooking your main dish and sides on the same sheet pan means minimal cleanup. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a full meal that required very little effort. (via Damn Delicious)
4. Smothered Pork Chops With Cipollini Onions and Grapes: Who says pork chops can’t have a gourmet feel? Pair them with caramelized onions and sweet roasted grapes to bring out their sophisticated side. (via Nerds With Knives)
5. Pan-Roasted, Brown Butter-Basted Pork Chops Over Wild Rice With Dried Cherries: Your date night menu just got a *major* upgrade. Seriously, is there anything sexier than browned butter? (via For the Love of Lasagna)
6. Mexican Pork Chops: Chicken shouldn’t be the only protein to get the Mexican flavor treatment. Serve these pork chops with roasted vine-ripened tomatoes and an avocado rose for extra richness and authenticity. (via Green Healthy Cooking)
7. Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops: Don’t be afraid to completely smother these chops in sweet and sour honey mustard sauce. Pro tip: Make a double batch — one to marinate and one to serve. (via Closet Cooking)
8. One Pan Apple Butter Pork Chop Skillet: Apples and pork chops go together like peas and carrots. Mix in a pinch of ancho chile powder to add a hint of spice that takes the dish to a new level. (via The Cookie Rookie)
9. One Pan Smoky Ranch Pork Chops With Veggies: Ranch dressing mix saves the day when you want more than salt and pepper on your pork chops. Roast them in the oven along with potatoes and green beans and you easily have a full meal for four. (via Homemade Hooplah)
10. Oven “Fried” Baked Pork Chops: Everyone’s had the pleasure of eating Shake ‘n Bake in their lifetime. This healthier version is easy on the waistline and just as nostalgic. Now, where’s the Rice-A-Roni? (via Skinnytaste)
11. Honey Garlic Pork Chops: These lightly breaded chops are perfectly crispy with an unbelievable sweet and savory glaze. Serve with mashed potatoes so they can soak up all of those delicious juices. (via Cakes Cottage)
12. Pork Chops With Pistachio Salmuera: For juicy pork, go with a thick-cut, bone-in chop every time. Top with an herb and pistachio salmuera to add much-needed freshness and acidity to the meat. (via Jo Cooks)
13. Pork Chops With Mustard Cream Sauce: You may not consider serving pork chops for guests, but this elegant recipe is definitely dinner party-worthy. Just be prepared to hand out the recipe… (via The Gourmet Gourmand)
14. Pumpkin Curried Pork Chops: Nothing jazzes up a weeknight dinner like a little curry powder and pumpkin puree. Throw in caramelized onions and smoked paprika and you’ve got one tasty meal. (via Runnin Srilankan)
15. Jalapeño Raspberry Glazed Pork Chops: These pork chops are full of sugar, spice and everything nice. Whip up rice and a simple salad to go alongside this heavily flavored dish. (via Spoonabilities)
16. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Chops: Pork chops are no stranger to the slow cooker. This sticky Hawaiian-style dish basically cooks itself and is incredibly tender thanks to the juicy pineapple. (via Creme de la Crumb)
17. Smothered Pork Chops: Wine, heavy cream and broth create a luscious sauce to smother your pork chops. Toss the leftover sauce with fettuccine and you’ve got a makeshift Alfredo with a side of tender chops. (via Kendall-Jackson)
18. Stuffing-Coated Pork Chops: Pre-made stuffing is way more than a holiday side. Use it to bread your pork chops for the ultimate crunch and taste. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
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