Smothered Mediterranean Pork Chops

Last Updated on 2021-05-09 by Linda

Smothered Mediterranean Pork Chops Recipe a one pan under 30 minute recipe.  No I am not kidding you. One Skillet and under half hour and you will have dinner on the table. Crazy thought but totally doable.

Tips for cooking Pork Chops

The actual cook time for the pork chops will vary based on several factors, including the thickness of the chops and the internal starting temperature. A 20 minute average is standard though trust me.

For best results, allow the chops to come to room temperature prior to cooking and use an instant read thermometer to determine when they are ready.

Smothered Mediterranean Pork Chops

This super easy one-skillet recipe is a definite keeper. It is bursting with flavor and makes its own delicious pan sauce you won’t want to miss. This version is with a boneless pork chop.

I know you may not have believed me but its a solid 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes in the skillet.  Dinner for 4 is on tonights agenda.

Let’s clarify though my 10 minute prep does not include gatering the ingredients.  I find one needs to check the recipe night before just in case you need to stop at the supermarke on the way home.

Once the ingredients are out and on the counter we are set to prep.

What you need for the Pork Chops

The ingredients are pretty standard for those of you who love Mediterranean dishes, olives. feta, small tomatoes.  All those yummy ingredients that has your mouth watering.

• boneless pork chops
• garlic powder
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• extra virgin olive oil, divided
• fresh lemon juice
•  cloves fresh garlic, minced
• dried oregano
• dried thyme
• Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
•  cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• medium red onion, thinly sliced
• fresh parsley, chopped

How to Prepare Smothered Chops in a Skillet

1. Remove pork chops from refrigerator and pat dry with a paper towel. Lightly season both sides of each chop with the garlic powder, plus salt and black pepper, as desired. Set aside.
2. Whisk together two tablespoons olive oil with the fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and thyme in a large bowl. Add the Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and Feta cheese and toss to combine. Set aside.
3. Add one tablespoon olive oil to a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the red onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and starts to develop some color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the remaining olive oil and the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Cooking until the chops are golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.Note: The safe cooking temperature for pork is 145°F. An instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the chops should read approximately 135°F at this point.
5. Pour the seasoned tomato and Feta mixture into the skillet and nestle it in amongst the chops. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the tomatoes and olives are warmed through and the Feta starts to melt.
6. Remove skillet from heat and rest for 5 minutes. Remove cover and serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley, if desired, and your choice of sides. Enjoy!

What do I Serve with Pork Chops?

Today I kept to the simple and served a Greek Salad, I know how cliché. During late Fall and winter I usually go with a heartier rice or mash potatoe dish. or maybe my Lemon Potatoes for a real treat.  But if you are sticking to a carb side you may also want to add an additional veggie.

How long do I cook Pork Chops?

Here is an interesting tip, if you bake the chops you will need 35 minutes in preheated oven, or until the internal temperature of the chops has reached 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Cooking them in the skillet should ony take 20 minutes.

Stumped for Dinner Ideas?

Check out

Stuffed Peppers

Pineapple Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Homemade Braised Beef

Shepherds Pie

Ravioli 

Spicy Leftover Turkey soup

Smothered Mediterranean Pork Chops

This super easy one-skillet recipe is a definite keeper. It is bursting with flavor and makes its own delicious pan sauce you won’t want to miss.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, canadian

Keyword: smothered pork chops

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Linda

Ingredients

• 4 6- oz. boneless pork chops
• ½ t. garlic powder
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ c. extra virgin olive oil divided
• 2 T. fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 cloves fresh garlic minced
• 1 t. dried oregano
• ½ t. dried thyme
• ¼ c. Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• 1 c. cherry or grape tomatoes halved
• 3 oz. Feta cheese crumbled
• ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
• 1 T. fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

• Remove pork chops from refrigerator and pat dry with a paper towel. Lightly season both sides of each chop with the garlic powder, plus salt and black pepper, as desired. Set aside.
• Whisk together two tablespoons olive oil with the fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and thyme in a large bowl. Add the Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and Feta cheese and toss to combine. Set aside.
• Add one tablespoon olive oil to a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the red onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and starts to develop some color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
• Add the remaining olive oil and the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Cooking until the chops are golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
• Note: The safe cooking temperature for pork is 145°F. An instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the chops should read approximately 135°F at this point.
• Pour the seasoned tomato and Feta mixture into the skillet and nestle it in amongst the chops. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the tomatoes and olives are warmed through and the Feta starts to melt.
• Remove skillet from heat and rest for 5 minutes. Remove cover and serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley, if desired, and your choice of sides. Enjoy!

Notes

The actual cook time for the pork chops will vary based on several factors, including the thickness of the chops and the internal starting temperature. (The chops pictured here are between 5 to 6-oz. each). For best results, allow the chops to come to room temperature prior to cooking and use an instant read thermometer to determine when they are ready.

Have you tried this recipe? I would love to see the resultsMention @alabouroflife or tag #alabouroffood!