This Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop is a bold, hearty dish packed with smoky, savoury flavour and a beautifully juicy texture. The pork is seasoned generously, seared to lock in flavour, then finished in the oven for a tender, restaurant-style result. It is a moderately easy recipe that feels special enough for a weekend dinner. From start to finish, it takes around 45 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 2 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (about 2.5cm thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Finish
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Recipe
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the pork chops cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Season the pork: Pat the pork chops dry with kitchen paper. In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning ingredients, then rub evenly over both sides of the chops.
- Sear the chops: Heat olive oil in a heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crisp.
- Add butter: Reduce heat slightly, add butter to the pan, and spoon the melted butter over the chops for extra flavour.
- Finish in the oven: Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for 10–15 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare garlic butter: Mix softened butter with garlic and parsley in a small bowl.
- Rest and serve: Remove pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with garlic butter before serving.

Tips
How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
Use thick-cut chops and avoid overcooking. Searing first helps lock in moisture before oven finishing.
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly as boneless cuts cook faster and can dry out more easily.
What pan works best for this recipe?
A heavy, oven-safe pan such as cast iron gives the best sear and even cooking.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The internal temperature should reach 63°C, and the juices should run clear when rested.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered corn
- Add a side of roasted vegetables
- Pair with a fresh green salad
- Enjoy with warm crusty bread
Storage
Room Temperature
Leave at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigerating.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Freezing
Freeze cooked pork chops for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I grill the pork chops instead of baking?
Yes, after seasoning, grill over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
What cut of pork works best for this recipe?
Bone-in rib or loin chops work best as they stay juicy and flavourful during cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the pork chops in advance and reheat gently, but they are best served fresh for maximum juiciness.
How do I get a restaurant-style crust?
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the pork and avoid moving it too much while searing.
Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesJuicy, thick-cut pork chops seasoned with bold spices, seared to perfection and finished in the oven with a rich garlic butter topping.
Ingredients
2 thick-cut bone-in pork chops
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp parsley, chopped
Directions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Season pork chops evenly with spice mix.
- Sear pork chops in hot oil until golden on both sides.
- Add butter and baste chops.
- Transfer to oven and cook until tender.
- Mix garlic butter ingredients.
- Rest pork and top with garlic butter before serving.
Notes
- Use thick-cut pork chops for best results.
- Let the meat rest before serving to retain juices.
- A cast iron pan gives the best sear.
