High-Protein Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pork Chops

Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pork Chops:

• 4 thick-cut Boneless Pork Loin Chops (about 6 oz each)
• ½ cup Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream (for tenderizing and moisture)
• ⅓ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
• ½ tsp Salt & Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing)

For the High-Protein Mashed Potatoes:

• 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (blended completely smooth)
• ¼ cup Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk
• 2 tbsp Light Butter
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Fresh Chives or Parsley, chopped

For the Sides:

• 1 cup Low-Sodium Pork or Beef Gravy (or pan drippings whisked with bone broth)
• 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Sweet Green Peas, steamed

Instructions

1. Prep & Marinate the Pork Chops:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Coat the pork chops evenly with the mixture. Cover and let marinate for at least 15–20 minutes at room temperature (or up to overnight in the fridge).
2. Make the High-Protein Mashed Potatoes:
   • Place the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender, then drain.
   • Add the blended cottage cheese, light butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash or whip until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped chives.
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the coated pork chops and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
   • Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to keep them tender and juicy.
4. Assemble & Serve:
   • Plate a generous scoop of high-protein mashed potatoes alongside a tender pork chop and a side of steamed green peas.
   • Pour warm savory gravy over the mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Macros (Per Serving)

• Protein: ~48g
• Net Carbs: ~22g
• Fat: ~14g
• Calories: ~410 kcal