Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece with this mouthwatering Greek Pork Chops recipe! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned pork chops nestled on a bed of golden roasted zucchini and potatoes, infused with aromatic herbs and olive oil. This one-pan wonder isn't just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that combines simplicity with authentic Greek cuisine, promising to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 cups zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and cutting zucchini into half-moon slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. Dice potatoes into uniform 1/2 inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve better browning and seasoning adherence.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Brush the pork chops with half of the seasoning mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
- In a large baking sheet, spread the diced potatoes and zucchini. Drizzle the remaining seasoning mixture over the vegetables and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Arrange the seasoned pork chops on top of the vegetables, spacing them evenly to allow proper heat circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and vegetables are golden and tender.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute in the meat.
- Serve hot, with pork chops placed atop the roasted vegetables, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach the perfect 145°F internal temperature for juicy, safe-to-eat meat.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Removing moisture from the pork chops before seasoning helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Uniform Cutting: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your pork chops and vegetables enough space on the baking sheet for proper heat circulation and caramelization.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the meat rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Fresh Herb Finale: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or oregano just before serving can elevate the dish's flavor and presentation.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with additional Greek-inspired herbs like oregano or rosemary to suit your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
