Cocoa & Chili Rubbed Pork Chops Recipe

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I don’t know about other grocery stores across the country, but I feel like ours in Kansas City are always running sales on pork! While it’s not something I’d say I usually crave, I definitely enjoy “the other white meat” every now and then. (I owe this to being the daughter of my dad, who gets ridiculously excited about pork chops!) So since they were yet again on sale this week, day five of Cheap Eats Week here on the blog is an ode to the chop. :)

I think this may also be my first recipe on the blog featuring my favorite chocolate+chili combination! For those of you who’ve never tried it (and if this is the case, you must before you raise a skeptical eyebrow!), trust me that this doesn’t taste like pork with a Hershey’s bar on top. Rather, the cocoa just adds a subtle, yet delicious depth of flavor beneath the zing of the chili powder. I absolutely love the combination — in chilis, in truffles, cupcakes…you name it!

I ended up using ancho chili powder (subtle heat, but with a nice smokey flavor) for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with regular chili powder, chipotle chili powder, paprika, or whatever other favorites you have on hand. Also, while I made these in a skillet on the stove, I’m sure they would be even better cooked on a grill! Whatever your method, would encourage you to give these a try. Too simple, and way too yummy to pass up. :)

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 pork chops 1x

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Description

You’ll love this Cocoa & Chili Rubbed Pork Chops Recipe! So flavorful!

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless pork loin chops
2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp. ancho chili powder (or regular chili powder)
2 tsp. light brown sugar
1 Tbsp. olive oil
sea salt & freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix the cocoa, brown sugar, and chili powder together until well-blended. Sprinkle a little less than 1 tsp. on the tops of each pork chop, and pat/rub in. Flip over and do the same on the other sides. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes, then sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-heat. Test to see if the oil is ready by dripping a drop or two of water in the skillet. (No sound – pan is too cold. Splatter – too hot. Sizzle – perfect!) Add pork chops and cover for about 5 minutes. (Mine were not super-thick, so only left then in for 4 minutes.) Then uncover and flip, and cook for a few more minutes until thoroughly cooked (between 145-160 degrees). If juices start to form on top of the chops, they’re definitely done!

Notes

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine

posted on November 13, 2009 by Ali

Main Dishes

23 Comments »

23 comments on “Cocoa and Chili Rubbed Pork Chops”

rita — November 13, 2009 @ 8:22 pm Reply

love the top pic. never tried the chili/cocoa combo, but maybe i should!
Aggie — November 14, 2009 @ 6:00 am Reply

Wow, great recipe!! I am totally going to try this!! Great blog you have here!
grace — November 14, 2009 @ 7:48 am Reply

spicy chocolate truffles are something i eat obsessively, so i know i love the combination of cocoa and chili. using it with pork, which i also love, is inspired and looks delicious!
Anne — November 14, 2009 @ 1:53 pm Reply

Oh this looks yummy! I can’t wait to try it.
Jane — November 14, 2009 @ 7:50 pm Reply

This looks really good. I’m not one who typically craves pork either, but I can see craving this particular dish. Love your blog!
robin — November 15, 2009 @ 2:13 am Reply

This recipe looks so different from what i usually make with pork chops. I am doing these tomorrow, they look so good!! Thanks for sending it.
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction — November 16, 2009 @ 7:06 pm Reply

Yum… I love the combination of cocoa and chiles… Sounds tasty on pork chops! Love the pictures, too.

See Also
10 Recipes to Use Costco Rotisserie Chicken (or Leftover Turkey)
Susan — April 12, 2010 @ 12:11 pm Reply

Love this! I was looking for a rub (via foodgawker) to put on my pork chops tonight. :-) I’m happy I found your blog. Oh, and I’m a native Leawood-er, transplanted to East Texas.
Christa — September 22, 2010 @ 9:00 pm Reply

I just wanted to let you know that I love this recipie. Even my husband and oldest daughter who normaly hate pork chops have ate ever bite of theirs both times I made them like this. This is one going in my file to be made a lot because I love pork chops and now my family will eat them. Thanks
Virginia R — February 11, 2011 @ 5:06 pm Reply

My bf and i jsut made these for supper, and they were soooo tasty! thanks:)
Jodi — September 29, 2011 @ 1:32 pm Reply

Absolutely delightful! I tried a little cocoa on chops a month back. I could not believe how fabulous it was. I will have to try cocoa and chili now.
Candice — March 3, 2014 @ 1:49 pm Reply

This looks absolutely amazing and I’m sure it tastes delicious too!!
Dana — March 26, 2014 @ 5:35 pm Reply

I found this on Pinterest and decided to cook it for me and my children. It was a great flavor! Thank you so much for sharing! I posted it on Pinterest and on Facebook ;)
Trina Tilson — March 5, 2015 @ 12:43 pm Reply

Thank you so much for this recipe. I am thawing pork chops now and I am excited to try this!
Susan Marleau — April 26, 2015 @ 7:41 pm Reply

Panicked when my hubby grabbed pork loin chops instead of the top sirloin he thought he grabbed (don’t ask!) TG for this recipe! Super easy, had everything on hand, and said hubby loved it! :)
One note – having worked under professional chefs, I would caution against heating the pan with oil in it, it could burn the oil. Heat your pan, then add the oil. It doesn’t take long for it to get to the proper temperature.
Thanks again!
- Ali — April 30, 2015 @ 8:24 pm
  
  Oh no, haha! So glad it worked out, and thanks for sharing that tip on the oil, very good to know! : )
Megan — August 30, 2015 @ 8:06 pm Reply

I just made these, and they are delicious! Now that I’ve tasted them, I have no idea what to serve them with! What vegetable and starch do you normally choose?
- Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven — September 2, 2015 @ 10:43 am
  
  Thank you Megan, we’re glad to hear you liked them! We like eating these with risotto or roasted butternut squash/sweet potato and asparagus —we hope that helps! :)
Kelly — September 12, 2015 @ 6:52 pm Reply

I used this recipe but grilled instead and it came out very smokey flavored. AMAZING! Not sure what it was supposed to taste like since I have never cooked with this combo, but it turned out good either way :)
- Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven — September 15, 2015 @ 11:28 am
  
  Yep, that’s about right! We’re happy you liked it! :)
Noelle — January 12, 2016 @ 8:22 pm Reply

Tried the pork chops and they are delicious! I used a dried ancho chili, “baked” for ten minutes at 400 degrees to puff it back up and then ground in my spice/coffee grinder.
With the leftover rub, I made ice cream!!! One avocado, one banana, half cup almond milk and about four teaspoons rub mix. Blended in my nutribullet and frozen for one hour!
Heav-en-ly!!! Thanks for a great rub recipe that’s pretty versatile!
- Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven — January 13, 2016 @ 10:24 am
  
  We’re so glad you liked these Noelle, and that ice cream sounds brilliant – what a yummy idea! :D
Missy — July 14, 2022 @ 1:06 pm Reply

Yummy.. added a 1/4 tsp cayenne 🌶 pepper

Cocoa & Chili Rubbed Pork Chops Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to bake pork chops covered or uncovered? ›

Some baked pork chop recipes do require that the pan is covered with either foil or a lid. It creates steam and ensures that the meat is tender and juicy. Those recipes typically require a long cook time and may add vegetables to the pan, and some uncover the chops to finish browning them at a higher temperature.

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Is it better to cook pork chops in a pan or oven? ›

If you've never been a fan of pork chops, it's likely because you've eaten overcooked meat. Start with pan-searing them to get a crisp exterior and finish them off in the oven to guarantee a non-rubbery chop.

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How long do you cook pork chops in the oven at 350 degrees? ›

Directions

Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). ...
Place pork chops in a baking pan. ...
Season each chop with seasoning salt, garlic powder, and parsley. ...
Bake in the preheated oven until pork is slightly pink in the center, about 35 minutes.

Aug 30, 2023

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What is the secret to moist pork chops? ›

Fat is key to keeping pork chops moist

Basting them with fat, such as butter. Add in aromatics while basting for more flavor — similar to how you might cook a steak — and then you have the added bonus of browned butter and crispy garlic and/or herbs to serve with the meat.

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Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400? ›

Is It Better to Bake Pork Chops at 350 or 400? The best temperature for baking pork chops depends on how thick they are, how you've prepared them and your personal preferences. Baking pork chops at 350 degrees F will result in more gently cooked and tender pork chops, but it will take more time.

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Should you flip pork chops in the oven? ›

2 Method #2: Oven-Baked

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. Using a sheet pan fitted with a rack, you'll be able to bake your pork chops without having to flip them during the baking process. If desired, coat the chops with seasoned bread crumbs or panko crumbs.

How do you keep pork chops from drying out in the oven? ›

Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent the meat from drying out in the oven. Before transferring to the oven, add a splash of chicken stock to give an extra layer of protection against drying out. Adding a few tablespoons of butter to the top of the chops doesn't hurt, either.

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Do you have to brown pork chops before baking? ›

Searing your pork chops before baking them is the way to go!

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How should I season my pork chops? ›

Pork Chop Seasoning Ingredients

2 Tablespoons smoked paprika.
1 Tablespoon kosher salt.
1 Tablespoon black pepper.
1 Tablespoon brown sugar.
1 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 teaspoon onion powder.
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

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What is the best method to cook pork chops? ›

You sear the chops in a cast iron pan that has been preheated over high heat, then lower the heat to medium and cook the pork, flipping often, for 8 to 10 minutes. But the final step is the best step: You take the pan off the heat, add some butter to the pan, and baste the finished pork chop for another 5 minutes.

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How do you know when pork chops are done in the oven? ›

Insert the thermometer into the largest part of the chop without touching fat or bone. The temperature should be at 145°F (63°C) to fully cook the pork. If the temperature is lower, continue cooking until the temperature reaches 145°F.

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What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out? ›

High-heat frying sears them to a golden brown; and a moderately hot oven (400 degrees F) bakes the pork chops gently enough to keep them from drying out. This "sear-roasting" method is a great way to cook pork chops in the oven: Fry one side to golden brown, then flip, and place the chops directly in the oven.

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What liquid should I cook pork in? ›

Aside from barbecue sauce, something tangy and sweet is a good go-to for slow-cooked pork. Apple cider vinegar has the right amount of acidity to break down the fattiness and is equipped with a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with pork. Using liquids you would normally drink is also a good choice.

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Should I oil my pork chops? ›

Heat a heavy skillet like cast iron or stainless steel over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or neutral oil to the hot skillet. Add the pork chops to the pan. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the pork chops to the pan, making sure there is an inch between each, so they sear and don't steam from overcrowding.

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How do you make pork soft and tender? ›

To tenderize pork before cooking it, try breaking up the tough muscle by hitting it with a meat mallet evenly across the surface of the meat. Then, if you want your pork to be extra tender, you can marinate it in a tenderizing marinade made with acids, like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine.

Should pork be covered when baking? ›

Tenting can be suitable for some cuts of meat, but if you want a crunchy crust on your roast, then it's best to leave it uncovered. If you notice that the roasted pork is browning too much, you can lightly cover it with aluminum foil. However, do not cover it for the last 5-10 minutes in the oven.

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How do you keep pork chops from drying out when you bake them? ›

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy ...

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Cocoa & Chili Rubbed Pork Chops Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)