This Keto pork chop recipe with homemade ranch seasoning is not only healthy, but it also tastes fantastic. These boneless pork chops are seared to perfection and cooked in my iconic ranch seasoning.
🍳 PAN SEARED BONELESS PORK CHOPS
I think this is the best boneless pork chop recipe for two key reasons. The first is our cast iron skillet. There is no better way to sear pork and truly caramelize the surface of the meat. This just won't happen in a slow cooker, instant pot, or oven, and you just can't buy this type of flavor. And lastly, our homemade ranch seasoning classifies as a best recipe all on its own.
While pork chops might not sound like the healthiest thing in the world, they're really not so bad! In fact, what if I tell you that pork chops are good for your diet plan and an excellent meal for the whole family
🍽 WHAT YOU NEED
Like my other keto pork chop recipes, there isn't much-needed equipment. This also means that cleanup is fast and easy as well, which is another added bonus!
Equipment
- 12" cast iron skillet
- A spatula or wood spoon
- A stove
Ingredients
- 6 thick-cut boneless pork chops (Note 1)
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese softened and cut into 8 pieces (parmesan cheese can substitute this if you prefer)
- 8 tbsp salted butter (olive oil also works)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup organic chicken broth (low sodium)
- 3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning
- sea salt apply liberally
- ground black pepper apply liberally
Most of these are pretty standard ingredients that are likely already on your shopping list. The one standout on the list might be ranch seasoning, which adds a unique taste to the smothered pork chops. You can pick it up from a local grocery store or supermarket. But if you have a bit more time and would like to make your own, you'll find it relatively easy. Ranch seasoning is actually made up of pretty common spices and herbs. It can even be healthier or more enjoyable if you make your own and leave some less desirable ingredients.
🔪 HOW TO MAKE
This recipe easy to follow and hassle-free, but it's also deceptively quick. With a total time under 30 minutes, this keto pork recipe is perfect for a large variety of events and meals.
- Start by patting your chops dry and sprinkling them very liberally with salt and pepper. Season liberally as both salt and pepper are absent from the sauce. (Note 2)
- Next, put your cast iron skillet on medium-high heat and melt 8 tablespoons of butter in it. You can also substitute this with olive oil if you prefer.
- Now, place the pork chops in the melted butter and sear them for about 4-5 minutes.
- When the pork chops reach around 135°F or 57 °C degrees, they are done. Remove and let these golden pork chops rest while you continue. Reduce heat to medium.
- Next, pour in the chicken stock. You'll need this to deglaze the skillet. While this is still going on, use a spoon to scrape the skillet's sides to ensure that you get all the delicious brown bits. Continue until sufficiently deglazed. (Note 3)
- Add cream cheese and heavy cream. You'll need to stir the resulting mixture till it's homogenous and smooth.
- Then add in the homemade ranch seasoning and continue stirring until it also combines with the ingredients. This is the cream sauce.
- Finally, lower the heat another notch and reintroduce the pork chops into the cream sauce in the cast iron skillet. Cover it and leave for about 5-10 minutes, then check to see if everything is satisfactorily done. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 145 °F or 63 °C. (Note 4)
💭 QUICK TIPS
- The best pork cuts include boneless pork chops, loin chops, and center cut pork chops.
- Dry the pork chops! When you sear meat, including boneless pork chops, pat dry with a paper towel to absorb surface moisture. If meat is not dry, it will not sear properly and turn grey rather than golden brown.
- When searing pork in your cast iron skillet, leave at least 1 inch between each pork chop. And do not move the pork chops around during the searing process. This will disrupt the sear!
- Other seasonings like onion powder can also help to give your pork some more flavor. And ingredients like green beans can do wonders for variety. But you should never go overboard seasoning pork. Keep that in mind as you mix and explore.
- You'll need your sauce thick to complement the meat properly, so if it hasn't reached that point when the pork chops are done, leave the heat on and take the pork chops out. Continue until you get the thickness you need. This is common practice for any sauce. Simmering reduces moisture, which in turn thickens the sauce.
- When adding your own touch to the recipe, keep in mind that your changes affect the overall carb content and keto eligibility of these already delicious keto pork chops.
- If you're not a pork fan (or follow a kosher diet), you can easily substitute the boneless pork chops for boneless chicken. I suggest breasts. They'll taste just as good as pork chops. Call it by the eye on this one, though.