Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
