Smoky Chipotle Pork Chops

Juicy spice-crusted center-cut pork chops served with a vibrant summer sauté of zucchini, yellow squash, sweet corn, and fresh cilantro.

• Prep: 15 min
• Cook: 20 min
• Total: 35 min
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Difficulty: Easy

Dietary

• Gluten-Free
• Dairy-Free
• Nut-Free
• Egg-Free
• Soy-Free
• Low-Calorie
• Low-Carb
• Low-Sugar
• High-Protein
• Low-Fat
• Low-Saturated-Fat

Tags

• sauté
• roast
• healthy
• smoky
• spicy

Ingredients

• 1.5 pound pork chops (boneless, center-cut, trimmed)
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (ground)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
• 2 zucchinis (medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 yellow summer squash (medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 1 whole lime (cut into 4 wedges)
• 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

1. In a small ramekin, combine the chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper.
2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and rub all sides thoroughly with the spice blend.
3. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3 minutes per side until deeply browned, then transfer to a 400°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
4. While the pork rests, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini, diced yellow summer squash, sweet corn kernels, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
5. Sauté the vegetables for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly caramelized at the edges. Remove from heat and toss with fresh cilantro if desired.
6. Plate each pork chop alongside a generous portion of the warm corn and squash succotash, serving each with a fresh lime wedge to squeeze over the top.

Notes

Allowing the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes before slicing locks in all the flavorful juices.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 365
• Protein: 41.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 17.8 g
• Fat: 13.9 g
• Fiber: 3.8 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Saturated Fat: 3.4 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg