Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, lime zest and salt; set half aside. Rub remaining chili powder mixture over both sides of pork chops.

In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium-high heat; sear pork chops for 1 to 2 min per side or until browned; transfer chops to a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in oven for about 12 min or until just a hint of pink remains inside.

Meanwhile, return skillet to medium-low heat and melt remaining butter, swirling to coat. Sauté onion for about 5 min or until softened and starting to brown; add remaining chili powder mixture and sauté for 1 min.

Whisk flour into cream and gradually pour into pan, stirring. Simmer, stirring, for about 3 min or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro and lime juice and season to taste with pepper. Spoon sauce over rice onto serving plates and top with pork chops; garnish with lime wedges to squeeze over top.

If you prefer bone-in pork chops, you may need to sear the chops in two batches to avoid crowding the pan which will prevent browning.

If your pork chops are thinner than 1 inch (2.5 cm) check for doneness after 8 min in the oven.

Add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp (1 to 2 mL) chipotle powder with chili powder or 1 tbsp (15 mL) minced chipotle in adobo sauce and 1 thinly sliced apple with onion; add 1 tbsp (15 mL) tequila with lime juice.