Chops & Roasts

Cajun Style Blackened Pork Chops

Name: Cajun Style Blackened Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 (1-1.5 inch thick) pork chops; 2 tbsp blackening seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

By Gabriel Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Chops & Roasts

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

Cajun Style Blackened Pork Chops — Crispy Blackened Pork Chops

I still remember the first time I tasted blackened pork chops at a friend's dinner party. The combination of the crispy, spicy crust and the tender, juicy meat was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe for Cajun Style Blackened Pork Chops, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is special because it's a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The blackening seasoning adds a nice crunch and a burst of flavor, while the pork chops remain tender and juicy. It's a dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can find most of the ingredients in your local grocery store, and the preparation time is relatively short. It's also a great recipe for beginners, as it's hard to mess up and the results are always impressive.

I like to serve my Cajun Style Blackened Pork Chops with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad, and a glass of cold beer or a glass of wine. It's a match made in heaven, and I'm sure you'll agree once you try it. So, let's get started and make some delicious blackened pork chops!

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves pork chops and is looking for a new way to prepare them. It's also a great option for those who want to add a little spice to their meals. The blackening seasoning adds a nice kick, but it's not too overpowering, so it's suitable for most tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The blackening seasoning adds a nice crunch and flavor to the pork chops.
The pork chops are tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
It's a great option for those who want to add a little spice to their meals.
The recipe is suitable for most tastes, as the blackening seasoning is not too overpowering.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great blackened pork chops is to cook them at the right temperature and to not overcook them. The blackening seasoning is a mixture of spices that adds a nice crunch and flavor to the pork chops. When you cook the pork chops, the seasoning forms a crispy crust on the outside, while the inside remains tender and juicy.

Another important factor is the type of pork chops you use. I recommend using thick-cut pork chops, as they are less likely to dry out during cooking. You should also make sure to pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel before cooking them, as excess moisture can prevent the seasoning from sticking.

The cooking technique is also crucial. I like to cook my pork chops in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil, as this helps to create a crispy crust on the outside. I also make sure to not overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the pork chops from cooking evenly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few ingredients, including pork chops, blackening seasoning, and oil. You can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store. When shopping for pork chops, look for thick-cut chops that are about 1-1.5 inches thick. This will help them stay juicy and tender during cooking.

For the blackening seasoning, you can use a store-bought mixture or make your own. I like to make my own, as it allows me to customize the flavors to my taste. You can also adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking, depending on how spicy you like your food.

4 (1-1.5 inch thick) pork chopsLook for thick-cut pork chops that are about 1-1.5 inches thick. This will help them stay juicy and tender during cooking. You can also use boneless pork chops if you prefer.
2 tbsp blackening seasoningYou can use a store-bought mixture or make your own. I like to make my own, as it allows me to customize the flavors to my taste. You can also adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking, depending on how spicy you like your food.
1 tsp paprikaPaprika adds a nice smoky flavor to the pork chops. You can use sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
1 tsp garlic powderGarlic powder adds a nice flavor to the pork chops. You can also use fresh garlic if you prefer, but be sure to mince it finely so it cooks evenly.
1 tsp onion powderOnion powder adds a nice flavor to the pork chops. You can also use fresh onion if you prefer, but be sure to mince it finely so it cooks evenly.
1 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the pork chops.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice flavor to the pork chops and helps to balance out the other ingredients.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the pork chops and helps to create a crispy crust on the outside. You can also use other oils, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
1 lemon, cut into wedgesLemon wedges are used as a garnish and add a nice burst of citrus flavor to the dish. You can also use other citrus fruits, such as lime or orange, if you prefer.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is used as a garnish and adds a nice fresh flavor to the dish. You can also use other herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Cajun Style Blackened Pork Chops

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or cast-iron panInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhisk

How to Make Cajun Style Blackened Pork Chops

1
Preheat a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. While the pan is heating up, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the blackening seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3
Brush the pork chops with olive oil on both sides, then sprinkle the blackening seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
4
Add the pork chops to the preheated pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice crust. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the pork chops for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
5
Remove the pork chops from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing them thinly against the grain.
6
While the pork chops are resting, add the lemon wedges to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice char.
7
To serve, slice the pork chops thinly against the grain and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
8
Serve the pork chops with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad.
9
Let the pork chops cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them.
10
Reheat the pork chops in the oven or on the stovetop until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
11
Serve the reheated pork chops with your choice of sides and garnishes.

Expert Tips

Make sure to pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel before cooking them to remove excess moisture.
Use a thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Don't overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the pork chops from cooking evenly.
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before slicing them to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use a sharp knife to slice the pork chops thinly against the grain.
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added flavor and color.
Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork chops, which can make them dry and tough.
Not patting the pork chops dry before cooking, which can prevent the seasoning from sticking.
Not using a thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature.
Overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and prevent the pork chops from cooking evenly.
Not letting the pork chops rest before slicing, which can cause the juices to run out and the meat to become tough.
Not using a sharp knife to slice the pork chops, which can cause the meat to tear and become uneven.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of pork chops, such as boneless or thin-cut, for a varying texture and flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices, such as Cajun or Italian-style, for a unique flavor profile.
Add other ingredients, such as onions or bell peppers, to the pan for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of oil, such as avocado or grapeseed, for a varying flavor and texture.
Serve the pork chops with different sides, such as roasted potatoes or a salad, for a varying flavor and texture.
Try using different cooking methods, such as grilling or baking, for a varying texture and flavor.
Add a sauce or marinade to the pork chops for added flavor and moisture.

What to Serve With Cajun Style Blackened Pork Chops

Serve the Cajun Style Blackened Pork Chops with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad. You can also serve them with a side of rice or potatoes for a hearty and filling meal.

Some other options for sides include grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or a side of sautéed spinach or green beans. You can also serve the pork chops with a side of cornbread or biscuits for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sproutsA side of sautéed spinach or green beansCornbread or biscuitsA salad with a variety of greens and toppingsGrilled or roasted potatoesA side of rice or quinoa

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Let the pork chops cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat the pork chops, you can cook them in the oven or on the stovetop until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

When reheating the pork chops, make sure to use a thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. You can also add a little bit of oil or butter to the pan to prevent the pork chops from drying out.

It's also a good idea to label and date the containers so you can keep track of how long they've been stored. This will help you ensure that you use the oldest containers first and avoid any food safety issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature for cooked pork chops?

The internal temperature for cooked pork chops is 145°F. It's essential to use a thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature to avoid foodborne illness.

Can I use different types of pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of pork chops for this recipe, such as boneless or thin-cut. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type and thickness of the pork chops.

How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?

To prevent the pork chops from drying out, make sure to not overcook them and use a thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. You can also add a little bit of oil or butter to the pan to prevent the pork chops from drying out.

Can I freeze the pork chops after cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the pork chops after cooking. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen pork chops can be stored for up to 2 months.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

You can try different seasonings and spices, such as Cajun or Italian-style, or add other ingredients, such as onions or bell peppers, to the pan for added flavor and nutrition. You can also serve the pork chops with different sides, such as roasted potatoes or a salad, for a varying flavor and texture.

How do I reheat the pork chops?

Can I use this recipe for other types of meat?

While this recipe is specifically designed for pork chops, you can try using it for other types of meat, such as chicken or steak. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type and thickness of the meat.

How do I store the pork chops after cooking?

Let the pork chops cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Label and date the containers so you can keep track of how long they've been stored.

The Full Recipe

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