Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than Hidden Valley Ranch Pork Chops! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy families and anyone who wants a simple but delicious meal.
The best part? There are so many ways to cook these pork chops. You can bake them in the oven, crisp them up in the air fryer, let them simmer in the slow cooker, or even make a whole sheet pan meal out of them.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect ranch pork chops every time. We’ll cover different cooking methods, give you our best tips, and even offer some fun variations to try.
Baked Ranch Pork Chops
This recipe relies on the ease and convenience of a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning to create a flavorful and family-friendly meal.
What you’ll need:
- Pork chops (bone-in or boneless), about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
- One packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- Olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. If you’d like, lightly rub them with olive oil.
- Generously season both sides of each pork chop with the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, making sure they’re well coated.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop to check for doneness.
Tips for Juicy Pork Chops:
- The digital meat thermometer is key to avoiding overcooked, dry pork chops.
- For a crispier exterior, consider searing the pork chops in a hot pan with a little oil before baking. Just sear them for a minute or two on each side before transferring them to the oven.
Air Fryer Ranch Pork Chops
Want to make these pork chops even faster? Use your air fryer!
Start by preheating your air fryer if your model requires it.
Next, brush the pork chops with a little olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick. Then, coat them in the Hidden Valley Ranch mixture as described above.
Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
As always, use a meat thermometer to make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving.
Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops
This recipe is a winner because it’s so easy to put together. You can have it working for you while you’re at work or out running errands, and dinner will be ready when you get back.
Preparing the Pork Chops
For maximum flavor, consider searing your pork chops before putting them into the slow cooker. Searing adds a rich, browned layer that will make the pork chops taste like they’ve been cooking all day. Don’t skip the next step either: Mix flour with Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, and coat each chop with the mixture.
Slow Cooking Instructions
Now, layer the pork chops in the slow cooker along with some sliced onions and apples. Pour chicken broth over the top, and set the slow cooker to low for about 4 hours. The pork chops are ready when they’re tender enough to pull apart with a fork.
Making a Gravy (Optional)
For a richer dish, you can use the leftover cooking liquid to make a delicious gravy. Just melt a little butter in a saucepan, whisk in some flour, and then slowly add the cooking liquid, stirring until it thickens. Season to taste, and serve over the pork chops and a side of mashed potatoes for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Sheet Pan Ranch Pork Chops with Potatoes
For an easy dinner that’s ready in under an hour, try this sheet pan method! The potatoes roast alongside the pork chops, soaking up all the delicious ranch flavor.
Ingredients and Preparation
You’ll need pork chops (bone-in or boneless both work), baby potatoes, a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, and a little bit of oil (olive or vegetable).
Cut the potatoes into roughly equal sizes so they cook evenly. If you’re using larger potatoes, quarter them. For the tiny ones, just halve them.
Cooking Instructions
Toss the potatoes with a drizzle of oil and the entire packet of ranch seasoning. Spread them out on a sheet pan. Arrange the pork chops around the potatoes, making sure they aren’t overcrowded.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes. The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and the potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Considerations for Pork Chop Thickness
If you’re using very thin pork chops, keep a close eye on them. You might need to pull them off the sheet pan a bit earlier than the potatoes to prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, you can cut the potatoes into smaller pieces so they cook faster.
Tips, variations, and serving suggestions
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you’re preparing your Hidden Valley Ranch pork chops.
Cooking tips
Pork chops taste best when they’re not overcooked. An overcooked pork chop can be dry and tough.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure your pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. The USDA recommends letting them rest for three minutes before you cut into them.
If you let your pork chops sit out on the counter for about 20 minutes before cooking, they’ll cook more evenly.
Recipe variations
Want to add a little more flavor to your pork chops? Try sprinkling them with parmesan cheese before you bake them.
You can also use different seasoning mixes to customize the taste. Or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, make sure your ranch dressing mix is gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, substitute plant-based butter for the dairy butter in this recipe.
Serving suggestions
These Hidden Valley Ranch pork chops are delicious served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
They’re especially good with asparagus, green beans, or carrots.
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Score!
- Store leftover ranch pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer. Be careful not to overcook them and dry them out.
- You can also wrap the chops individually and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Key Takeaways
Hidden Valley Ranch Pork Chops are incredibly easy to make, and they always come out flavorful and delicious. Whether you bake, grill, or pan-fry them, you’re sure to have a hit on your hands.
Experiment with the cooking methods and variations to find your favorite. Then, enjoy making this simple and satisfying meal for your friends and family!