Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering Southern-inspired dish that'll make your taste buds dance! These Pork Chops with Jalapeño Pecan Cornbread Stuffing are not just a meal, they're a culinary adventure that combines the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and crunchy in every single bite. Imagine tender, juicy pork chops stuffed with a zesty cornbread mixture that brings together the rich crunch of pecans and the bold kick of jalapeños - this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner sensation that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 cups cornbread, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed pork chops.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, chopped pecans, and diced jalapeño. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika to the cornbread mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and the cornbread is moistened.
- Take the pork chops and use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chop. Be careful not to cut all the way through the chop.
- Stuff each pork chop with the jalapeño pecan cornbread mixture, packing it in generously. Use toothpicks to secure the opening of the pork chops if necessary.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the stuffed pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Once the pork chops are seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for a more tender chop.
- Serve the pork chops warm, garnished with additional chopped jalapeños or pecans if desired, alongside your favorite sides.
Tips
- • For the most flavorful stuffing, use day-old cornbread that's slightly dried out • Make sure to not overstuff the pork chops to ensure even cooking • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 145°F is perfect for juicy pork • If you prefer less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds before dicing • Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the stuffing for enhanced nutty flavor • Let the pork chops rest after cooking to keep them incredibly tender and juicy • Choose thick-cut pork chops for the best stuffing pocket and most impressive presentation
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg