These Sicilian Herb-Crusted Pork Chops are a celebration of bold Mediterranean flavors—think fresh herbs, zesty lemon, pungent garlic, and a subtle kick of heat. Seared to juicy perfection in a cast iron skillet, they make a rustic yet elegant centerpiece for any dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together the best of Sicilian cooking: simplicity, fresh ingredients, and robust flavor. The marinade does all the heavy lifting—infusing the pork with aromatic herbs and citrus—while the quick sear locks in juices and creates a golden, flavorful crust. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe with weekend-worthy flair, and it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy polenta, or a crisp green salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- olive oil
- garlic, minced
- lemon zest and juice
- fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- fresh oregano, chopped
- fresh parsley, chopped
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- lemon wedges and extra parsley for garnish
Directions
- Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended. - Marinate the Pork Chops:
Rub the marinade generously over the pork chops. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours. If refrigerating, allow them to come to room temperature before cooking. - Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until a golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). - Rest and Serve:
Transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Variations
- Boneless Option: Use boneless pork chops but reduce the cooking time by 1–2 minutes per side.
- Grilled Version: Grill the chops over medium-high heat for the same cooking time instead of using a skillet.
- Citrus Twist: Swap lemon for orange zest and juice for a sweeter Sicilian flavor profile.
- Spicy Addition: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a touch of Calabrian chili paste to the marinade.
- Herb Swap: Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available—just use 1/3 the amount of each fresh herb listed.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or olive oil to keep them moist.
Freezing: Marinated raw pork chops can be frozen in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
FAQs
Can I marinate the pork chops overnight?
Yes, but no longer than 12 hours. Extended marination with acidic lemon juice may start to change the meat’s texture.
What sides go well with these pork chops?
Roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, grilled vegetables, or even a lemony couscous salad make excellent pairings.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, use one-third the amount for dried herbs since they are more concentrated in flavor.
Do I need a cast iron skillet?
A cast iron skillet gives the best sear, but any heavy-bottomed skillet or grill pan will work.
How do I know when the pork is done?
Use a meat thermometer. The pork is perfectly cooked when it reaches 145°F (63°C) and is slightly pink in the center.
Can I make this recipe with chicken?
Yes, bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it spicy with the red pepper flakes?
It adds a mild heat. You can reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I grill these instead?
Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
What type of lemon should I use?
Use fresh lemon for both zest and juice for the brightest flavor. Meyer lemons work well if in season.
How long should I let the pork rest after cooking?
Rest the pork chops for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.
Conclusion
Sicilian Herb-Crusted Pork Chops offer a delicious blend of rustic charm and bold Mediterranean flavors. With their aromatic herb and garlic marinade, a punch of citrus, and a golden sear, these pork chops are as satisfying as they are elegant. Perfect for a weeknight upgrade or an impressive weekend meal, this recipe proves that a few fresh ingredients can go a long way toward unforgettable flavor.
PrintSicilian Herb-Crusted Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops seared to perfection and infused with bold Sicilian flavors—lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of heat, perfect for a rustic yet refined dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet, Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges and extra parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to form a marinade.
- Rub the marinade all over the pork chops and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- A meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops.
- Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh green salad.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg