This Easy Lemon Butter Pork Chops recipe is a real treat! Juicy pork chops are cooked to perfection and coated in a bright, yummy lemon butter sauce that adds a wonderful zing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for flavor and juiciness. If you prefer boneless for ease, just cook them for a slightly shorter time as they’ll cook faster.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in your dish. If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or olive oil for a slightly different taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh cloves, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh gives a better flavor.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish. If lemons aren’t available, you can use lime as a substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch as well.
Chicken Broth: To keep it vegetarian, swap out with vegetable broth. Homemade broth is always the best but store-bought is super convenient!
How Do You Get Perfectly Sear Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops properly gives them that delicious golden-brown crust. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Pat the chops dry before cooking. This helps achieve a good sear.
- Make sure your pan and oil are hot before adding the pork. You want a sizzle!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan as it lowers the temperature. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Let them cook without moving them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Resist the urge to flip them too soon.
Following these steps will result in perfectly cooked, flavorful pork chops that are sure to impress!
Easy Lemon Butter Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Asparagus or your choice of vegetable, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep the ingredients, and about 20 minutes to cook everything. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, making sure to cover them well.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the pork chops. Sear until they are golden brown and cooked through—this should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any delicious browned bits. Add the lemon juice and zest, mixing it all together. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Finish with Butter:
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until it’s melted and well combined. This will create a rich and tasty lemon butter sauce.
5. Return the Pork Chops:
Bring the pork chops back to the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over them. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pork chops for a fresh touch. If you’d like, garnish with lemon slices for an extra pop of color. Serve immediately with asparagus or your favorite vegetable, drizzling any extra sauce on top for added flavor!
Enjoy your bright and satisfying Easy Lemon Butter Pork Chops!
FAQ for Easy Lemon Butter Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster, around 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness.
What’s a Good Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you’re looking for a substitute, vegetable broth works well and will keep the dish vegetarian-friendly. You can also use water with a splash of soy sauce for added flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the pork chops and sauce in advance! Cook the chops until just done, then refrigerate them along with the sauce for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving, adding a little extra broth if needed to keep it saucy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the skillet or microwave, adding a touch of water or broth to prevent drying out.
