Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is like preparing your canvas for a masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need to create these flavorful pork chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
If you’re out of white wine, a splash of chicken broth works beautifully as a substitute. And for a citrusy twist, try adding some zest from the lemon before juicing it. These small tweaks can make the recipe uniquely yours!
Instructions
Ready to bring a slice of Sicily to your dinner table? Follow these steps for a truly authentic experience:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures that the flavors penetrate the meat.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet, searing them on each side for about 3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust.
- Sprinkle the oregano and thyme evenly over the pork chops. Pour the lemon juice and white wine into the skillet, letting the liquid deglaze the pan.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Let the pork chops bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Remember, cooking is about intuition as much as instruction. Feel free to adjust the herbs and seasoning to match your family’s tastes, just like I do when creating meals for my own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International