Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe

Introduction

These garlic butter pan-seared pork chops are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a juicy, flavorful meal any night of the week. The combination of fresh herbs and garlic butter elevates simple pork chops to a restaurant-quality dish.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the pork chops in a single layer and sear without moving them for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1–2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in thyme and rosemary and cook for 30 seconds more.
4. Step 4: Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them to coat. Serve immediately with the garlic butter sauce and lemon wedges, if using.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate pork chops in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use bone-in chops for more juiciness and richer flavor.
• Try adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan after removing the chops to create a light pan sauce.
• Swap rosemary and thyme with sage or oregano for an alternative herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the meat. The garlic butter sauce can be reheated separately or with the chops.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, boneless pork chops work well and usually cook a bit faster. Just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.

What is the best way to check if pork chops are cooked properly?

The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), ensuring they are juicy and safe to eat.

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe

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4.7 from 76 reviews

This Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare juicy pork chops with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the chops are pan-seared to a golden-brown crust and topped with a fragrant butter sauce that elevates this classic dish.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)

Optional

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Generously season both sides of the chops with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the pork chops in the skillet in a single layer and sear them without moving for 4–5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for another 4–5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1–2 minutes while stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary and cook for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them to coat evenly. Transfer the chops to serving plates, drizzle with the sauce from the pan, and serve with optional lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops reach 145°F for safety and juiciness.
• Letting the chops rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.
• Fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well if fresh aren’t available.
• Bone-in chops tend to remain juicier and more flavorful than boneless.
• If desired, serve with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: garlic butter pork chops, pan seared pork chops, easy pork chop recipe, skillet pork chops, garlic herb pork chops