All you need to do is plan in advance to make these incredible chops. If you can, let the chops chill in the brine for 48 hours. Preparation is quick and easy. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for the perfect meal.
In a medium-sized bowl, stir the brown sugar and salt in the hot water until dissolved. Stir in the cold water and the rest of the brine ingredients.
3 tbsp dark brown sugar, 3 tbsp Kosher salt, 1 cup hot water, 2 cups cool water, 7 peppercorns, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 3 whole cloves, 1 bay leaf, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 stick of cinnamon
Place the chops in a large freezer baggie (or a dish) and then carefully add the brine mixture. Seal the baggie (or tightly cover the dish with foil) and place in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Move the chops around in the brine every now and then.
4 loin pork chops
Prepare the Chops and Sauce
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Remove the pork chops from the brine, pat them dry with paper towels, and set them aside. Discard the brine.
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the pork chops for about 4 minutes, or until they are golden brown on one side. Flip over and sear for another 3 to 4 minutes.
2 tbsp olive oil
Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook the pork chops for 3 minutes, or until they are just pink in the center. Internal temp should be 140 to 145°F (use a meat thermometer to ensure correct internal temperature).
Transfer the chops to a platter and cover them with foil.
Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
3 cloves garlic
Add the chicken stock, sweet and hot peppers, and pepper juices.
1 cup chicken stock, ½ cup sweet cherry peppers, ½ cup hot cherry peppers, ¼ cup sweet cherry pepper juice from the jar, ¼ cup hot cherry pepper juice from the jar
Stir in the basil, parsley, salt, and pepper, and simmer the sauce for about 2 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted.
¼ cup basil, ¼ cup Italian parsley, ½ tsp Kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 6 tbsp unsalted butter
Place the chops on a serving platter and spoon the sauce over them, leaving some extra sauce to serve at the table.
Notes
See the video near the top of the blog post for visual guidance. If you liked the video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. The chops will still be delicious even if you only brine overnight, but if you can allow 24 to 48 hours, the flavor and texture will be even better. The sauce carries a slight level of heat from the hot cherry peppers. If you prefer no heat at all, then go with all sweet cherry peppers. We recommend spooning just enough of the sauce over the chops to coat them. Serve the rest of the sauce at the table for guests to add more, if they desire.Leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, or in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or microwave on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes.