Craving a delicious and healthy dinner for two? Try our succulent Orange Pork Chops—packed with zesty citrus flavor, lean protein, and a hint of natural sweetness. It’s a guilt-free dish that proves eating well can still be indulgent!
Image source: AI-generated
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Oven Temp: 350°F (175°C)
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops (¾-inch thick), trimmed
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large sweet potato or yam, peeled & sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 orange (half sliced, half juiced)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Directions
- Sear the Pork:
- Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown chops 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Squeeze juice from ½ orange into the pan, scraping up browned bits.
- Layer & Season:
- Arrange sweet potato slices around the chops in the skillet (or transfer to a baking dish).
- Sprinkle everything with cinnamon, cayenne, and salt.
- Top with orange slices.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Optional Finish:
- Uncover and broil 2-3 minutes to caramelize the oranges.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Bright & Balanced: Orange juice cuts through the richness of pork.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon and cayenne add depth without heat overload.
- One-Pan Easy: Minimal cleanup!
Serve with: A crisp green salad or steamed greens.
Let me know if you’d like a faster stovetop-only version! 🍊🐖
