These Ancho Chili Rubbed Pork Chops are quick and easy to make on the grill and perfect for busy and hot summer days!
I wanted to start this post by saying “These Ancho Chili Rubbed Pork Chops are brought to you by one tired girl.” But, the fear of putting you to sleep, kept me from starting out that way. Oops! To late. 🙂
The truth is, I don’t know if it’s because I recently returned from my whirlwind press trip to Alaska (the kick-off story is here) or whether it’s the fact that the long summer days are just busier. I admit, I still haven’t figured out the answer to that one!
What I did learn is, that I need many, many more quick and easy recipes so that I can get dinner on the table before everyone {me} resorts to gnawing off their arm.
These quick and easy pork chops were the result of that desperation. And, they turned out so fresh, light and wonderful when served with an equally quick corn saute, that I wanted to share it.
Pork Chops have been one of my long go-to favorites for grilling. I like that they are easy to grill, done in minutes and have that great pork flavor we all know and love.
I also like how versatile they are, in that they go easily with potatoes, a salad or a simple saute like this one. And with each side, it adds a different flavor profile.
What I love about this corn saute, is that it was fresh, bright and summery – and so colorful! Who doesn’t love a colorful plate? Especially one that is so tasty!
So now that you all know that I’m recruiting for recipes {hint, hint, I mean you!} I would love to hear in the comments what some of your all-time quick and easy summer favorites are. I need recipes to add to my recipe box this summer!
I’m sure if the trip to Alaska is any indication of how the rest of this year goes, I hope to find myself doing a lot of more traveling! More traveling, of course, comes with it’s own share of challenges, like jet lag, weeks away from home, thousands of pictures to process and dozens stories to tell.
Now, I know that may seem like a bad thing {not!}, the good thing about traveling far outweighs the bad. You get to try incredible food, see places you’ve never been, and discover recipe combinations that simply blow your mind. And…, depending on where you go (a.k.a. Alaska), you also might get to see bears, whales, sunning sea otters and Eagles too.
Now you know what to look forward to in my next post about Alaska!
In the meantime, while you wait, I certainly don’t want you hungry. Thus, these tasty pork chops with Sauteed Corn Salsa. I hope you love this quick, easy and tasty summer recipe!
Enjoy!
Ancho Chili Rubbed Pork Chops with Corn Saute
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops roughly 2 pounds total
- 1 tablespoon ancho-chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Saute
- 1 12-ounce bag frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup coarsely chopped leeks
- 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
- 2 to 2 and 1/2 teaspoons chopped jalapeno seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted real butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Turn your grill on high and heat until very hot.
- Mix ancho-chili powder, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Rub pork chops on both sides with the spice mix, dividing the spice between them evenly.
- Place pork chops on heated gril and cook 1 minute on each side on high. Immediately turn grill down to medium and cook until done in the middle (see note).
Saute
- Heat butter in skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Add all ingredients and saute 5-10 minutes or until vegetables just start to soften. Remove from stove and serve immediately.
Notes
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
Welcome home, friend!
These pork chops look delish! My kind of comfort food…
Kristi says
Thank you Marissa! I’ve had such a hard time getting back to normal – it seems like I’m always running behind. So quick/easy recipes like these are a must have! xoxo
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
So know what you mean. I absolutely love to travel, but it always takes me twice as long as my husband to find my bearings again when I get home. Still worth it though! xo
Kristi says
Me too Marissa! My goodness, it’s taken me as long to pull it together as I was gone (8 days)! 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend my friend. xoxo
Mary Frances says
The pork chops look absolutely delicious! The ancho chili rub sounds so flavorful. It must be pork chop season because I also recently made a pork chop recipe! http://lovethesecretingredient.net/2015/06/08/pork-chops-peaches-and-pet-peeves/
Kristi says
Haha! I think that says great minds think alike Mary Frances! I commented on yours, because I think they look great too and you can never have to many pork chop recipes. 🙂
Harriet Emily says
Love the sound of the spice in this dish – what a delicious dinner recipe! Perfect for the summery months. This is definitely my kind of meal!!
Kristi says
Thanks Harriet! Mine too. There is never a bad time for pork chops. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Sam @ SugarSpunRun says
The husband & I have been eating pork chops a lot recently, I’ll definitely be trying this rub, it sounds amazing!
Kristi says
Thanks Sam. You should totally try it. It is one of my favorites and I sprinkle it on all kinds of things. 🙂
[email protected] Peas and Peonies says
I got back from Eastern Europe 10 days ago, and it takes me probably close two 2 weeks to get back to a normal routine. Love your recipe, we eat pork chops during summer time a lot, and the chili rub sounds really good.
Kristi says
YES! I totally know what you mean Katalina! It’s crazy how long it takes to get back to norm. I wonder if it’s different for people that travel all the time (like for their jobs). That’s why I appreciated this recipe so much. It’s so easy. I think you’ll love it!
Katalina @ Peas and Peonies says
I can’t even imagine traveling constantly for my job! Yes I will definitely try it, PINNED 🙂
Kristi says
I’m with you – I am exhausted just thinking about it. Thanks for the pin. Have a fantastic weekend Katalina!
Kelly says
These pork chops are grilled to perfection! So tasty and flavorful! Love quick and easy meals like this! We’ve been enjoying a lot of grilled meals lately too along with salads and pasta/pasta salads. Welcome back and hope you get some rest 🙂
Kristi says
Thank you Kelly! Grills are the best. Especially in the summer when it’s so hot, and you don’t want to heat the house. And, I’m with you – I’ll go for quick and easy every time. Have a beautiful weekend love!
Juliana says
Ancho-chili, I got some recently…this pork chop looks delicious…perfectly grill..what a nice meal Kristi!
Hope you are enjoying your week 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Juliana! I love ancho-chili powder. I sprinkle it on veggies, salads, tacos – anything where I want big flavor. Have a beautiful weekend! xoxo
[email protected] says
oo i love a good pork chop! mmm the ancho chili in this makes my mouth water…
Kristi says
Me too Anna! We love pork chops in a crazy way and with the spicy seasoning, yum! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Welcome back from Alaska and I know what you mean about feeling tired after a press trip! It’s not like a holiday. I hope the rest of the year gives you more oppportunities for travel 😀
Kristi says
Thank you for the good wishes Lorraine! I hope so too. It was so much fun, but you are right. It is work!
Monica says
Sounds like a very busy and exciting time (Alaska!!). And this plate looks so delicious. I like corn with everything and could just about have it at every meal. : ) We have been grilling out a lot and the other week, we asked our little one to pick what to grill and he decided on pork chops. So, so good…we have to do it more often. Your rub sounds wonderful!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Monica! That is so cute about your little one picking pork chops. Obviously has good taste. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend.
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
I am totally crushing on all that spice-rubbed goodness! These chops look so juicy and packed with flavor to the max!
Kristi says
Thanks Sarah. IMO, ancho chili is worth crushing over. Hahaha! Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo
Marcie says
Look at the sear on that chop! It’s a thing of beauty. . This is the perfect quick summer meal — I love grilling pork, chicken or a good steak with a fresh, summery side. And let’s not forget the slow cooker — I use that a lot in the summer too when I’m out all day (pulled pork anyone)? Haha. I see this meal in my near future!
Kristi says
OMGosh… I have not used my slow cooker in months – but you are right. It is so perfect for the summer time! xoxo
Ashley says
I haven’t had pork chops in far too long! These sound fantastic – especially with that corn medley thing-a-majig on the side. haha I’m tired too – we’ve been traveling visiting family and my brain feels busted 🙂
Kristi says
Hahahaha! I **love** that Ashley – the “corn medley thing-amajig”, girl I simply love you. You crack me up every single time. xoxoxoxo
Megan Comer says
All I can say is.. WOW! Great pictures also!
I love pork chops, and I always tend to go back to the crockpot for everything. I will def try these next week and let you know how they turned out! If only I could make them look like yours 🙂
Thank you for the recipe!
Megan
Kristi says
What a great idea Megan! I never thought of making them in the slow cooker. Yet, I love slow cooker meals, so you’ve definitely given me some good ideas. I’m so excited to to try it. Have a great weekend!
Sarah Sonnamaker says
Pork chops are my favorite! Can’t wait to try this.
Kristi says
I’m with you Sarah! I love pork chops!
Melissa Falk says
Nice recipe. I don’t make pork chops a lot but you have me inspired. You had me at ancho chili 😉
Kristi says
Haha! Me to Melissa! I love ancho chili!