Southern Fried Pork Chops are sprinkled with seasoned salt, pepper and a little cayenne, if you want some spice, then dredged in flour and pan fried until perfectly golden and delicious! This southern favorite is simple, but oh so scrumptious!
Southern Fried Pork Chops were a staple at my house growing up! Actually, I think most people often think of "fried" as the perfect synonym for southern. I certainly agree, something juicy and fried are one of the most delicious things you ever sink your teeth into!
I can remember my mom standing at the stove pan frying pork chops and us sitting around the kitchen counter and waiting very impatiently. And once you take a bite of these you will know why!
In this age of trying to watch what we eat (well sort of), at least by that I mean I don't make fried foods every week, this is a treat at my house when I do. And we all deserve southern comfort food every now and again, RIGHT?
Fried pork chops tend to make everyone at my house happy anyway! They especially love it when paired with Instant Pot Mac N Cheese and southern collard greens!
One thing is for certain this is really a simple dish. Southern Food at its root is simple and tasty!
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Easy steps to making southern fried pork chops
- First mix seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the flour.
- Then lightly season the pork chops with seasoned salt and black pepper too!
Trust me it's just oh so good. Now if you despise salty food maybe leave the seasoned salt off of the chops.
- PAN FRIED PORK CHOPS - In a cast iron skillet or non stick pan, heat up your oil on medium to medium high heat. then add in butter and let it all melt!
Pan frying pork chops give them a perfectly golden brown, spectacular and marvelous color!
How long do you pan fry pork chops?
- Once oil is hot, put in two chops and cook on one side for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Turn over and cook about 3 minutes.
These are about ½ inch thick. Pork Chop Cook Time will vary when frying pork chops based on thickness.
- Remove from oil and put on a plate with paper towels to drain the grease off.
Tips for the best fried pork chops
- You can use bone-in or boneless chops. I love the flavor of the bone-in chops. They stay nice and juicy. Boneless pork chops can be a little easier to eat. Just don't overcook, as they can tend to dry out a little easier.
- Before cooking let them sit at room temperature for a bit. Bringing them to room temperature will allow them to cook evenly.
- Use fresh pork chops that have a nice pink hue to the chop. If they are a dull grey color they are not as fresh and delicious.
- Make sure your oil and butter is hot before placing the chops in the pan. The chops won't be soggy. This is what makes them nice and crispy.
- Don't overcrowd your pan. This also contributes to a nice crispy chop. Overcrowding can cool the pan down and also not allow for even frying and can result in a greasy pork chop.
- Drain on paper towels or baking rack. I have always used paper towels. Draining removes extra oil and allows the chops to rest and distribute the juices for a perfectly juicy fried pork chop.
- If you have one, use a cast iron skillet for this dish. It’s ideal for pan frying pork chops because it holds and distributes heat so well. It also provides a naturally nonstick surface. Makes for easy clean up too!
Do I need to dip in egg or buttermilk first?
I don't add this step to my fried pork chop recipe. I find it is unnecessary. They come out tender, juicy and with the perfect amount of crunch. However, if you just feel you want to do this you can dip them in a egg and water mixture or buttermilk before dipping into the flour mixture. Again - I never do!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing. We recommend placing the leftover fried pork chops in an airtight container or wrapping in foil and placing in the fridge. Properly stored, they can last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Reheating. The best way to reheat an already fried chop is in the oven. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush with a little melted butter or olive oil (or spray it on) and reheat at 350° for 5 to 8 minutes or so on each side, depending on the thickness of the chops.
Did I mention Fried Pork Chops are good for breakfast too! It may be a southern thang - but trust me!!! TRY IT with your eggs and grits!
Southern Recipes that go great with Fried Pork Chops
- Baked Mac N Cheese
- Southern Style Green Beans
- Collard Greens Au Gratin
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Southern Fried Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 bone in pork chops, (½ inch thick)
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup canola or vegatable oil, (enough to cover bottom of pan for frying)
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, (extra to season chops to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, (extra to season chops to taste)
- cayenne pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season Salt and pepper both sides of the pork chops.
- Combine all dry ingredients. Dredge each side of the pork chops in the flour mixture, then set aside on a plate. Or dredge before going into oil. (Less dishes)
- Heat canola/vegtable oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add butter. When butter is melted and butter/oil mixture is hot, cook 2 to 3 pork chops at a time, 4 to 5 minutes on the first side; 3 to 5 minutes on the other side. (Make sure no pink juices remain.) Remove to a plate covered with paper towels and repeat with remaining pork chops.
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Tamara says
Oh my goodness these were delicious and easy!!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you so much, Tamara! I am so glad you enjoyed them!
Sara Morris says
This recipe is now my hubby's and my favorite!
I was skeptical about the cooking time, and you may have to fry a little longer on bigger, thicker chops, but boy, what a lesson on me about my previous over cooked, gray colored chops!! Thank you very much!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you, Sara! My hubby loves them too! Yes, the key is to not overcook! I am so glad you are enjoying nice juicy pork chops each time you make them.
Nicole says
These are the best, juiciest, and easiest pork chops I have ever made! Thanks for a great recipe.
Nikki Lee says
You are so welcome Nicole! I am glad you love them!
Suwin says
Best pork chops we've ever had--Thank you!! Cooked this yesterday without any modifications and it was perfect! Making your pot roast now and can't wait to try it!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the roast just as much!
Alexus says
Yummy recipe! Doesn’t anybody make pan milk gravy afterwards anymore? So good with mashed potatoes! Don’t know what you’re missing!
Nikki Lee says
Thank you! I do make gravy sometimes too! It is amazing! And mashed potatoes oh yes please!
Julia says
We love this recipe!
Nikki says
Thank you Julia! I am so glad your family loves them!
Gloria says
Can anyone tell me what temperature to fry these on??
Nikki says
350 degrees works great!
barbara mack says
Hey!!!! These just sound sooo delicious, I'm going to try the recipe this week. Thanks for posting it. [Gonna cook some 'Aunt Twyla's Strings Beans' with them.*] My only comment is why you add butter to the oil. Is it for taste or frying purposes?
*Found in Womans Day Mag many years ago so a shout-out to Aunt Twyla. Canned string beans smothered in bacon (with its grease) and carmellized onion. Delish! [Drain and rinse beans before adding to the pot.]
Nikki Lee says
The combination is great for flavor without the milk solids in the butter burning too fast! I love it for pork chops and steaks! Strings beans are the perfect combination! Enjoy!
Kathleen says
Oh my word, my mom made pork chops just like this! Nikki, these are fabulous!
Nikki says
Thanks so much Kathleen! I learned from two of the best pork chop makers my mom and mother in law!
Lynn Spencer says
My favorite fried pork chop recipe!
Nikki says
Thank you Lynn! Fried pork chops are always a hit on my family table!
Sheila says
This is the perfect Southern meal -- love it!
Nikki says
Thank you Sheila! I agree! Fried Pork chops are southern at heart!
Vicki Hartye says
Nikki ,these were delecious, flavorful and a wonderful change.Im so glad I found this recipe .
Also so easy to make !!! thanks my Husband loved too
Vicki
Nikki says
Thank you so much Vicki! I am so glad you guys loved them!
Dana says
Really good recipe. I have struggled to make fried pork chops for years. They always come out tough and the batter falls off. I did brine my pork chops for a couple hours. They turned out perfect with this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Dana I try to keep things simple and easy around here most of the time. I am so glad your pork chops were a success. It's a tried and true recipe I have made for years and time and time again. My family always loves pork chop days! And you are so welcome, please come back and visit us!
Danielle says
These came out delicious! I'm from New England, and hubby is from Texas, so I wanted to try these out! Hubby only complained that there was no egg before flour. Normally he likes to batter, smother, batter, smother again.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Danielle you can def add an egg bath if you want. But I have found these are so good and EASY without it. Double batter cannot hurt though. I am so glad you enjoyed them, they certainly are a favorite at my house too. They usually complain I don't make enough!
Ruthy says
These are our favorite! Thank you!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much Ruthy! I am so glad you all enjoy thim!
Erin says
As a Southerner, I was SO excited to find this recipe! We love fried pork chops, and these ones are ON POINT with their flavor (and look!) The tips and tricks were super helpful, too, as I think I've been overcrowding my pan in the past...
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I'm glad to have found another pork chop lover. I am glad the tips were helpful and you enjoyed them! ?
Amy Nash says
Oh my goodness these pork chops were divine. My husband said they were the best I've ever made!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Amy! Hubby approved is the best compliment. Mine was just saying I don't make them often enough. They are his favorite. I will probably make a batch for New Years Day.
MICHAELA KENKEL says
These are the BEST pork chops I have ever made!! I am so thankful to have found your recipe!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Michaela! You have put a smile on my face today!
dMichelle says
Oil and butter together are a winning combo as far as I'm concerned! This is fabulous...so tasty!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much! The combo gives them such a great flavor and beautiful color.
Julie Menghini says
Ok, now I want pork chops really bad! These chops look perfectly crispy crunchy and delicious!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Julie!
Deb Clark says
Oh my goodness, loved the chops! Perfectly flavored, crispy and delicious - thank you for another yummy recipe!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
You are so welcome Deb! Thank you so much! I am so thrilled you enjoyed them!
jennifer stewart says
Nothing better than a crispy coating on a juicy chop! We make these all the time and they are always a hit!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much Jennifer! They are a family favorite here!
Debi says
I made these for a party we had recently & they were a total hit. Everyone loved them and asked me for the recipe. So, of course, I sent them here!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much Debi! The hit at a party makes my heart glad! Thank you for sharing with friends!
Kimberle Rieger says
I've struggled with fried pork chops for a longtime time. I've taken many criticisms from my family and had almost given up. But I kept trying. Several had me mixing and adding multiple spices to try and get that perfect fried chop. But never the result that earned the praise of my family. FINALLY with this recipe I found out that less is better. Simple seasonings that give it just the right amount of flavor and a nice kick of Heat. They fry up wonderfully in the combination of oil and butter, and they comeout crisp and tender! This one is a keeper!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Kimberle, I am so glad you didn't give up. I have always kept it simple with pork chops and my family loves them. Thank you so much for trying the recipe and I am so thrilled they were a hit with your family too!
melinda thomason says
For some odd reason my breading was not crunchy at all the flavors were great tho
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Hmm. It is hard to say. Could be the age of flour or the oil may have not been hot enough also. Hope you give it a try again.
Chas says
Very good! Thank you for the recipe! Everyone in the house loves them, fry sliced taters in the oil/butter first as a side.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Chas! Sliced taters are the best! Mmm!
Christina says
Can you taste the “seasoning” salt or does it just taste like regular salt after being fried?I guess I’m asking,wondering if it gives a shake N bake kinda taste or just regular fried chops?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Seasoning salt had a little bit of a different taste in my opinion. But I don't feel like it gives a shake and bake flavor.
Ruthy says
These were the best that we have ever had! Yummy!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Ruthy! I am so happy to hear you loved them! Best ever - makes me smile really big!
Teresa says
Going to make these to tonight, just wondering do I rinse my pork chops and pat dry before preparing or is there no need to?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Sorry I missed this last night. I was at church and just received this today. It is not necessary, but you can if you would like to.
Robert Corley says
Exactly like the pork chops I grew up on , my grandmother and my mother fried they were delicious, I never knew about the ad butter trick that really made a difference.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank your Robert, that is the best compliment I can receive! The butter does make all the difference!
Missy says
May I ask what do you mean when saying combine all dry ingredients?
I thought I sprinkled those on the pork chop??
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Yes, you combine all the amounts of seasonings listed with the flour. If desired use addition seasoning to sprinkle on chops if desired before dredging.
Lance says
This is just fantastic and reminds me of those good ole southern pork chops grandma used to make! They are soooooo good! 11/10 would recommend.
Veto says
Every time I fry chops without egg wash the flour never sticks. When I say stick I mean it never holds on to the meat properly after biting in to it. I've let the meat sit in the flour and out of the flour for a few minutes before frying and tried it right after the flour. When I use egg wash it always sticks. Anyone else have this problem?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
You know I grew up frying pork chops this way and never had an issue with them. But maybe it's because mom made them like this and my mother in law as well. Hopefully you give it a try and enjoy as much as we do. You can always add the egg wash step if you like.
Kristi Reigh says
i tried these tonight! So yummy! I used boneless center cut chops, as that's what i had thawed out, and i looked up southern fried pork chops because i was in a pinch.....these were awesome 🙂 usually i do a "shake & bake" type thing in the oven, but i did not have any in my pantry. Thank you!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Kristi! I am so glad you enjoyed them! They are one of my family's favorite things to eat. They say I don't make them enough!
Eileen says
I'm going to try this recipe tonight for supper. I only have boneless pork chops. Was just wondering if the cooking time might be different from bone in pork chops? Thank you! Can't wait to try these!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
It is going to depend on the thickness. But usually 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Just keep an eye on them and let them rest a couple of minutes and they will be juicy and delicious! I can't wait to hear back.
Phyllis Churchill says
I was hungry for Pork Chops like my Mom used to make. This recipe, sooooooo simple and quick was it EXACTLY!!! I added a little garlic powder, as I love garlic, and they came out great, pretty and TOTALLY Awesome!
Thanks.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I am so glad you enjoyed them and they tasted like your moms. That is the best compliment. These are simple! These were a favorite of my husbands his mom made. She showed me how she did them before we got married in the early 90's. I made a little tweak to them by adding butter to the oil and that gives them such beautiful color! He's been loving these for 27 years now!
Teri King says
GOOD PORK CHOPS..............YUM YUM
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Teri!
Christine C. says
Our family loved these! Made them tonight and nothing left over. Thanks for the great recipe.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Christine! No leftovers means a hit!! Thanks makes me happy! <3
Michelle says
So good! However, I dipped the pork chops in a beaten egg before dredging with the powder mix.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Michelle! I am so glad you loved them!! They are a family favorite!
Alisha Coward says
Absolutely scrumptious !!
?????
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Alisha!
Ginger Gardner says
Nikki, these pork chops are absolutely outstanding!! I am a mom, a cook and a tough critic and these were juicy and tender with just the right amount of seasoning!!! Thank you!!! The bone in thick cut pork chops are the key!! Served this with sautéed squash and vidalia onions cooked with butter s&p for a while and Allens green beans in chicken broth w/ a thick slice of bacon simmered on low for a while. So delish!!!!! Cannot wait to have this dinner again!! Happy eating!!
Josiez says
You sound like a chef lol
Tressa Cramer says
My twelve year stated that these were perfect. That is a pretty high comment from a picky eater.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
That's the best compliment you can get! I am so glad they loved them!
Pam says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe,it was fantastic ?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much Pam!
Kenn says
Is it self rising or all purpose?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I use all purpose flour!
Mike says
So delicious and quick to make.
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I am so thrilled you enjoyed them! You are so welcome!
NickMc says
Delicious! I made these for dinner tonight. Thank you for your recipe.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I am so glad you enjoyed them! You are so welcome! They are a family favorite!
terry says
How tender were your chops? My mom used to cook them fork tender, but she certainly would have cooked them longer than 10 minutes, both to make them well done, and to tender them. How can you get a tender chop with only 10 minutes of cooking?
Donna says
DELICIOUS!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much Donna!
Brandi says
Conplete game changer!! Never would have thought to use butter!!! My pork chops turned out AMAZING. I ate one already lol. Just waiting for my baked beans to get done and dinner will be served. So glad I came across this. Thank you!!!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I am so glad you enjoyed them! It's hard not to eat one when you are cooking them! Shh - I may also do that! Gratefully, Nikki
Dawn Manuel says
Fried this exactly by recipe, so juicy inside and crispy out! Family loved them! Stated need to make often! Thanks so much for your recipe!
Jonay B. says
I made these tonight...and the butter in the oil made a world of difference. Never would have guessed. I usually have such a difficult time with things cooking too fast in the cast iron, but tonight...These came out perfectly! I seasoned them and did an egg wash on my chops before dipping in flour...turned out nice and crisp!!! My family love them!! Thank you for the awesome recipe!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I am so glad they were a success Jonay! We love these! I am thinking about these for New Years day with black eyed peas!
Arnold R. Hibler says
They were delicious! I
used the breakfast style pork chops and made them for the men along with eggs and hash browns.
Nimmy says
I made these tonight, as it was closest to my grandmother's pork chops. They were fantastic and simple to make!! I used garlic powder instead of cayenne in flour. I'm not a spicey person and it worked out beautifully!!! Two big thumbs up for this recipe ??
GuitarPro says
These chops look great! We love our seasoned iron skillet (especially or making gravy with the "brown bits"). Do you think that a deep-fryer would work as good as the skillet? What do you think about adding a little cornmeal to this?
[email protected] says
Thank you so much! I am all about using cast iron. I honestly have never really deep fried pork chops so it's hard to say. I don't think I have ever not liked anything deep fried though -lol! And adding corn meals sounds delish to me!
Mary says
Wow, these look and sound amazing - comfort food at its best! I want them for dinner!! Thanks for another awesome share at Weekend Potluck, Nikki. Hope you are having a great Labor Day weekend!
[email protected] says
Thank you Mary! I just can't resist a fried pork chop ;)! Thanks for hosting Weekend Potluck! I enjoy participating each week! My weekend has been wonderful so far! I hope yours is as well! <3 Nikki
Julie @ Back To My Southern Roots says
Such a great southern recipe! Looks delicious!
[email protected] says
Thank you Julie! They get gobbled up when I make them 🙂
Shari says
These are wonderful! My mom always baked her pork chops, being raised up north, but after 30 years in the south and southwest, I am a fan of fried! And these are simple and fab! Also, I love the salt!
[email protected] says
Thank you Shari! They are def a treat for sure! I know you are a Southern girl now friend! I am so glad you came by! Love ya!
Kathie says
These look and sound fantastic! Going to make these today but I only ever have boneless pork chops--hope they'll still be good
[email protected] says
I think you will love them! You could make them with boneless as well! I love bone in for extra flavor! Please let me know how they turn out!
Virginia Moore says
I am a southerner ( sort of, from Texas and now Florida ) and I have never tried pork chops this way, but plan to do so very soon. They look delicious (even if you did once call them porch chops!) Well, none of us are perfect! Relax and keep smiling! Thanks for this recipe!
[email protected] says
Thank you Virginia! I hope you enjoy them! Please stop back by and let me know what you think! Thanks for catching my typo too! I have corrected it! 😉 The good Lord knows I am so not perfect, but I try to find humor in everything so next time I will eat them on the porch and then all will be okay - lol! Have a beautiful week and come back soon!
marye says
I ignore the food groups more and more lately. It seems like the kids prefer the boxed stuff anyway. I told them it's bad advertising for a food writer's kids to eat boxed mac and cheese.... These pork chops can find their way to my table any time!
[email protected] says
Thank you Marye! I can so relate! My son cares nothing about food groups, making my life difficult. He gags when you say the word green bean lol! Have I failed as a mom and food blogger? But he is loving my homemade mac n cheese! PTL! I have a Instant Pot Cream Mac n Cheese coming up this week!
Julia Jordan says
Fried Pork Chops are a favorite! These look so delicious!!
[email protected] says
Thank you so much! They are a favorite at my house too! Such a treat! <3
Allen says
I was born and raised in the south but have never fried pork chops in a mix of oil and butter. It's a delicious game changer! So good! And it makes perfect sense, we saute in oil and butter all the time, so why not fry? Yum! Thank you for the tip. I really appreciate the inclusion of the frying times per side. I don't fry as often as I used to and so many recipes just say 'fry until golden brown' and that's no help. I just made these and they were outstanding, crispy and juicy.
P.S. I'm following a ketogenic lifestyle and subbed out the flour with an unflavored protein isolate powder (it doesn't add an after taste like coconut or almond flours do and has a more traditional end product unlike pork rinds and parmesan).
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed them. We try to do lower carb meals too during the week, so I am going to try these with the isolate powder. Thanks so much for sharing that info!