Hearty, tender pork chops become nicely seared in a hot cast-iron pan.

Let the pork chops come to room temperature before adding to a hot pan to help with even cooking.

Serve with a wild rice pilaf and roasted vegetables or salad.

Southern Living Skillet Pork Chops in the pan ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Leftover pork chops can be sliced up and used in wraps, sandwiches or salad.

Ingredients

4(9-oz.

)bone-in center-cut pork chops(1 1/4-in.

Southern Living Skillet Pork Chops ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Cook pork chops:

Heat oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high.

Season with additional salt to taste; garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Southern Living Skillet Pork Chops letting the pork chops come to room temperature

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Skillet Pork Chops heating the oil in the skillet

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Stovetop Pork Chops adding the chops to the skillet

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Skillet Pork Chops after cooking on both sides

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox