Mississippi Pork Chops are juicy and flavorful, cooked to perfection with a special blend of spices and a zesty kick! The slow cooking makes them tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
You can’t go wrong here! I love serving them with fluffy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. It’s a meal that feels like a big warm hug. Plus, they practically cook themselves—how easy is that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy during cooking. If you only have boneless chops, those will work too, just keep an eye on the cooking time as they cook faster.
Ranch Seasoning: This adds great flavor! If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you could mix your own using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. It’s a fun way to customize the taste!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of the dish. You can swap it with olive oil if you’re looking for a lighter option, but the sauce might be less creamy.
Pepperoncini: These peppers bring a nice tang. If you’re not a fan, you can use banana peppers instead, or you could leave them out and add a splash of vinegar for acid.
How Do I Properly Sear Pork Chops?
Searing your pork chops is key for great texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet over medium-high heat. A hot pan ensures a good sear.
- Add a touch of oil if your pan isn’t non-stick. Aim for about a tablespoon.
- Place the pork chops in the pan, and don’t move them around for 2-3 minutes. Let them get that nice brown crust.
- Once you flip them, check for a good golden color on the other side before removing them.
- After searing, make sure to let the chops rest a minute outside the pan. This keeps them juicy!
Taking these steps will help you get delicious, perfectly cooked pork chops every time!
Mississippi Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4-5 pepperoncini peppers, sliced, plus juice from the jar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning the pork chops generously on both sides with black pepper and garlic powder. This helps to layer in flavors right from the beginning!
2. Browning the Pork Chops:
Next, heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. If your pan isn’t non-stick, add a splash of oil. Sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they have a nice golden-brown crust. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
3. Building the Flavor Base:
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. This will capture all those delicious browned bits left from the pork chops.
4. Adding Seasoning and Peppers:
Once the butter is completely melted, stir in the ranch seasoning mix, sliced pepperoncini, and a few tablespoons of the pepperoncini juice. Give it a good stir so everything is combined and you can really smell that great flavor!
5. Simmering with Broth:
Pour in the beef broth or water, and stir the sauce, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan. This adds even more flavor to your sauce.
6. Combining & Cooking Slowly:
Return the pork chops to the pan and spoon some of the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything cook gently for about 20-25 minutes. This slow cooking process will make your pork chops incredibly tender. Don’t forget to occasionally spoon some sauce over the tops!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once the pork chops are cooked through and tender, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Mississippi Pork Chops hot, alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes and pickled peppers!
These tender, flavorful Mississippi Pork Chops will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy every bite with that buttery, tangy pepperoncini sauce!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used! Just note that they will cook faster than bone-in chops, so check for doneness around the 15-20 minute mark to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Ranch Seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining dried herbs like dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder. It’ll give the dish a similar flavor profile!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them gently in the microwave, or heat in a skillet on low to preserve moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this for a slow cooker, sear the pork chops as directed, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours for tender, flavorful chops.