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    Home » Recipes » Pork Recipes

    Tomato Braised Sicilian Pork Chops

    Published: Sep 24, 2021 · Modified: Aug 26, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

    972 shares
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    5 from 70 votes
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    Pinterest image for Sicilian pork chops

    As the weather gets cooler I look forward to creating delicious slow-braised dishes in my kitchen. My Tomato Braised Sicilian Pork Chops will definitely fill your belly and warm your soul.

    overhead view of 4 Sicilian Pork Chops on a white platter

    My Sicilian Pork Chops couldn’t be easier to make and the sauce is incredible!

    Ingredients to make Tomato Braised Sicilian Pork Chops

    ingredients to make recipe

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Tomato Braised Sicilian Pork Chops. In chef speak, this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    What type of pork chops should I use for braising?

    Look for thick-cut pork chops, or buy a rack of pork and cut it into the right size chops. That’s what I did for this dish.

    One of the issues we come across when cooking pork is how pork has changed over the years. Today’s pork chops are usually way too lean and need to be brined or slow-braised to make them tender.

    Your other option is finding a heritage pig farmer that still lets pigs be pigs and hasn’t bred them to be lean and large.

    How to make Sicilian Pork Chops

    seasoned chops on a white platter

    Start by seasoning the pork chops on each side with coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper. Add as much or little pepper as you like, but I always advise going a little heavier than you think on the salt because it never seems to be enough when it’s cooked.

    *If you use regular table salt and black pepper, cut down on the amounts since it’s a smaller grain and you’ll use more.

    four seasoned and pan seared pork chops in a large skillet

    The next step is to pan-sear the seasoned pork chops in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.

    Don’t move them around, allow them to sear undisturbed. After searing remove the pork chops from the pan and set them aside until needed.

    two images showing how to make the spicy marinara for the pork chops

    Saute the onions and garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then add the tomatoes and seasoning to the pan. Bring to a light boil then reduce the heat to simmer.

    Do I have to make the marinara spicy?

    No, you don’t. This is your dinner, make it to your personal tastes.

    What else can I add to my marinara?

    You could add capers, olives (black or green), or mushrooms.

    Can I use store-bought spaghetti sauce for braising?

    No, you can’t. Premade store-bought sauces aren’t meant to be heated for extended periods. Trust me, it will well be worth the effort and really won’t take much time to prepare.

    seasoned chops in tomato sauce

    Add the pork chops to the spicy marinara.

    Wrap the pot tightly with foil and place it into a preheated 325-degree oven and cook for 2.5 hours.

    large skillet with fully cooked pork chops in the spicy marinara

    When the pork chops are ready, check the sauce and reseason if needed. If the sauce isn’t thick enough you can let it simmer for a little longer on the stovetop. If the sauce is too thick you can add a little water to the sauce.

    *Be careful not to move around the pork chops too much so they don’t break apart.

    close up of Sicilian pork chops on a white platter

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    overhead view of four Sicilian pork chops on a white platter
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    5 from 70 votes

    Tomato Braised Sicilian Pork Chops

    You're going to love my slow-cooked Tomato Braised Sicilian Pork Chops! They're the perfect comfort food for your family. Serve over pasta, rice or your favorite grain, break up the fork-tender pork chops and mix the meat in with the sauce….. simply delicious!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
    Total Time2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: Italian, Italian – American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 407kcal

    Ingredients

    • 4 thick cut pork chops approx. 8 ounces each
    • 56 oz crushed tomatoes
    • 2 cloves garlic finely diced
    • ½ cup onions small dice
    • 2 tsp cracked black pepper
    • 2 tsp sea salt
    • 2 tbsp basil chopped
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 325 F
    • Season the pork chops on each side with coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper. Add as much or little pepper as you like, but I always advise going a little heavier than you think on the salt because it never seems to be enough when it's cooked.
    • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear on each side for 2 minutes.
    • Transfer the pork chops to a tray while you start the tomato sauce.
    • Add the chopped onions and garlic to the large ovenproof skillet over medium heat and saute for 1 minute or until fragrant.
      *add more olive oil if needed
    • Add the hand-crushed tomatoes and half the basil to the pan and bring the sauce to a light boil.
    • Add the pork chops back to the pan. The tomato should come close to covering the pork chops. It's okay if it does cover them.
    • Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes at 325 degrees.
    • Reseason the sauce as needed and add the remainder of the basil to the sauce.
      *If the sauce is too thick add a little water. If the sauce is not thick enough you can let it simmer for another 20-30 minutes on the stovetop or back in the oven.
    • Remove the finished pork chops from the pan and serve with pasta, rice or potatoes.
      Save the extra sauce, it's amazing!

    Notes

    *If you use regular table salt and black pepper, cut down on the amounts since it’s a smaller grain and you’ll use more.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 1770mg | Potassium: 1865mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 925IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 6mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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    About Chef Dennis

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    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

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    1. Kimberly Fischer

      February 16, 2023 at 9:22 pm

      5 stars
      All I can say is OMG! My kids loved them too! This recipe is definitely a keeper in my family. Felt like I ordered from Domicks in the Bronx! I’m sorry meant Dominick’s! Tword messed it up! Sorry!

      Reply
    2. Susan

      January 26, 2023 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      Delicious.

      Reply
    3. Mary

      January 07, 2023 at 4:11 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely loved this recipe! My pork was so tender and the sauce was perfection! Will definitely be making this again.

      Reply
    4. Al Snyder

      May 29, 2022 at 5:07 pm

      This is a simple and easy (and delicious) recipe. I did notice though, Dennis, that if you skip right to the recipe, as I often do, it doesn’t mention seasoning the chops on both sides before browning. Thank you Dennis.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        May 29, 2022 at 9:31 pm

        thanks for pointing that out Al, and I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the pork chops

        Reply
    5. Jack

      February 19, 2022 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      The Sicilian pork chops were very easy to make and proved to be a wonderful dish. I modified the recipe because of having fresh tomatoes available, so we made stewed tomatoes for the brazing and added Italian seasonings and basil and served it with bow tie pasta. Great dish we will definitely make again. Thanks, Jack.

      Reply
    6. janelynn

      November 18, 2021 at 9:51 am

      If you’re in a hurry, just use a can of cream soup and braise them in that. The gravy will mix with the juices and turn brown.

      Reply
    7. Sol

      October 06, 2021 at 2:30 pm

      My husband loves tomato based dishes and he will surely love this sicilian pork chops too!

      Reply
    8. Swathi

      October 06, 2021 at 1:11 am

      5 stars
      This tomato braised pork chops were delicious. Yummy meal.

      Reply
    9. Marysa

      October 05, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      Sounds like a great combination. I haven’t made pork chops before and your instructions are so easy to follow.

      Reply
    10. Kathy

      October 05, 2021 at 9:17 am

      I love pork chops. I don’t make them as often as I’d like. I’ll have to try this recipe out. It looks so good.

      Reply
    11. Heather DiNuzzo

      October 05, 2021 at 8:14 am

      I’ve never tried braising pork chops but these look delicious. Bookmarking your recipe!

      Reply
    12. Anosa Malanga

      October 05, 2021 at 1:31 am

      I literally drool at the pictures while reading the instructions and recipes! Also, yeah Reynolds wrap is my trusted brand too!

      Reply
    13. Richelle Escat

      October 05, 2021 at 12:44 am

      5 stars
      This was so delicious. Tomatoes were great with the pork chops!

      Reply
    14. Terri Steffes

      October 04, 2021 at 8:59 pm

      I cannot wait to try this. I have a bumper crop of basil and need more recipes that use it. We also love pork chops, too.

      Reply
    15. Amber Myers

      October 04, 2021 at 8:13 pm

      I am drooling. This looks like such an amazing meal. I love pork chops!

      Reply
    16. Tara Pittman

      October 04, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      My husband loved these pork chops. He wants to know when I’m going to make them again

      Reply
    17. Tasheena

      October 04, 2021 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never made Tomato Braised Sicilian Pork Chops before, looking forward to trying this recipe.

      Reply
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    My name is Dennis Littley or “Chef Dennis” as I’m known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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