Tender Boneless Pork Chop with Idahoan® Hidden Valley Ranch Mashed Potatoes and Summer Squash
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Brining will make a huge difference in having a very juicy pork chop and worth the extra time. Using a cast iron skillet ensures a perfect sear on the chops. The brine can be made in advance. While chops are in the brine you can prep the rest of dinner!
Ingredients
  • 4 boneless pork chops about ¾ to I inch thick
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • Brine and seasoning ingredients (below)
  • I 4-oz package Idahoan° Hidden Valley Ranch Mashed Potatoes
  • 3 cups zucchini and crookneck, combined
For the Brine:
  • 4 cups water
  • ¼ cups kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
Pork Seasoning:
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°
For the Pork Chops:
  1. Prepare the brine. You can save time and make the brine the day before and keep it in a covered container in the fridge until you are ready. In a medium pot, combine water, salt, sugar, rosemary, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir until salt is completely dissolved. Cool. Add pork to the cooled brine, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. While the pork chops are brining, place a cast iron skillet in the oven to pre-heat for 10 minutes. Skip this step if not using a cast iron skillet, but pre-heat a non-stick skillet on the stove for a few minutes.
  3. Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl. Remove pork chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle seasoning on each side of pork.
  4. Remove cast iron skillet from the oven, carefully, as it will be hot and place on a burner over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the skillet. Place pork chops in the pan and sear for 3 minutes per side. Make sure to sear all sides of the pork. Place the skillet back into pre-heated oven and cook for 6 minutes more. (If not using a cast iron, use a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Sear 3 minutes each side. Cover with foil and reduce heat to medium and continue to cook for 6-8 minutes). Use an insta-read thermometer for an internal temp of 145°.
  5. Remove cast iron skillet from the oven and place the pork on a plate. Cover with tin foil to rest.
  6. Prepare Idahoan® Hidden Valley Ranch Mashed Potatoes following package directions.
  7. For the squash, using the same skillet over medium heat, wipe out any excess seasonings and add a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Place squash in skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  8. Divide pork, squash, and potatoes among four plates and serve.
Recipe by Idahoan Mashed Potatoes - Idahoan Foods LLC at https://idahoan.com/recipe/tender-boneless-pork-chop-with-idahoan-hidden-valley-ranch-mashed-potatoes-and-summer-squash/