Chili Lime Pork Chops

If you haven’t tried one of our marinades yet, it’s time. Our Chili Lime Pork Chops are easy to prep, easy to make, and delicious. Once you make them, you won’t want to be without this simple freezer meal.

When my week is starting to feel like it is spiraling out of control, I reach for a frozen meal from the freezer. And it’s not the kind you buy in a box in the grocery store. It’s a tasty, homemade meal I can have ready in minutes to feed my entire family. This is the kind of help moms need most. Fast, efficient, and heartwarming!

Meat marinades are one of my favorite types of freezer meals, because they are so easy to pull together, cook up fast on the grill or in the oven, and can be made in an endless variety, so we always have new flavors in the freezer. Be sure to check out our Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken or the Giggle Pig Pork Chops Marinade for two great examples. If you already know you want more like this (because we all need an easy button sometimes!), you’ll want to grab the Freezer Meals 101 Club membership for instant access to every recipe we publish.

Chili Lime Pork Chops Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 pork chops boneless, about 1-inch thick
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. lime zest
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

How to Make Chili Lime Pork Chops

Assembly Instructions

1. Add the pork chops to the freezer bag.
2. Add other ingredients.
3. Squish to combine.
4. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze.

Cooking Instructions

1. Pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
2. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
3. Preheat a frying pan over medium-high heat with some cooking oil.
4. Add pork chops and sear for 3-5 minutes per side.
5. Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving.

What other meats can I use with this marinade?

Boneless meats work best for freezing in a marinade, but you should be able to substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts with excellent results.

What if my meat looks a little pink?

As long as you cook your pork to the correct temperature and measure the temperature in the center with an instant-read thermometer, you should be good to go. Pork can still look pink long after it is fully cooked, and it depends on the cut of meat, the age of the meat, the cooking method used, and the marinade ingredients. Temperature is a much better measure than color.

Chili Lime Pork Chops Recipe Ideas

Bring on the heat with a pinch of chili flakes, ancho chili powder, or diced chiles in the marinade. You could use poblanos, habaneros, or jalapeños.

Want sweet chili? Add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar or peanut butter to your marinade. You can even do one of each!

Lemon juice or orange juice will work as a substitute for lime in this recipe, and you can also substitute the zest with the fruit of whatever juice you choose.

Instead of garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, you can add equal amounts of your favorite dry rub or seasoning blend.

How do I store Chili Lime Pork Chops

Leftover chops should be refrigerated in an airtight container and will keep for several days. The meat should be checked for smell, texture, moisture, and appearance before it is consumed. It should also be reheated to 165ºF.

What to Serve with Chili Lime Pork Chops

We served ours over rice with a side of buttered corn, but you can change this up in so many ways! Mashed potatoes, twice baked potatoes, quinoa, long grain and wild rice, cheesy grits, or even tator tots would work as a good starch, and you can pair that with a green salad or veggie for a more balanced plate.

Try roasted veggies or get some of those steam-in bags that you can just throw in the microwave. Black bean salsa would go really nicely with this pork as well. Add biscuits (which are super handy to keep in your freezer!), and you’ll have a complete meal everyone raves about.