These garlic butter pork chops are juicy and packed with flavor! The simple pan-searing method makes them a breeze to cook up for a tasty meal any night.
Trust me, the garlic and butter combo makes these chops irresistible. I love serving them with veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete dinner. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are juicier, but boneless cuts are quicker to cook. If you’re looking for alternative protein, chicken thighs can be a good substitute here!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds wonderful flavor. If you don’t have any, garlic powder works in a pinch—use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary are fantastic, but dried herbs can substitute. For thyme, use half the amount. If you’re not a fan, consider parsley or Italian seasoning!
Butter: You can replace some of the butter with olive oil for a lighter option. But who doesn’t love that rich flavor butter brings? I say, go for it!
How Do You Get Perfectly Seared Pork Chops?
Searing your pork chops is all about the temperature and timing. Here’s how to do it right!
- Make sure the pork chops are at room temperature before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
- Heat the oil until it shimmers; this is key to a good sear. Too low, and you’ll steam your chops!
- Don’t move them around too much. Let them sit in the pan to form that lovely crust—about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer! You want the internal temperature to reach 145°F (63°C) for juicy chops.
Enjoy cooking these chops! It’ll be a hit at your dinner table!
Garlic Butter Pork Chops – Easy Pan-Seared Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, so you can have delicious garlic butter pork chops ready in about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Once dry, sprinkle salt and black pepper generously over both sides of the chops for flavor.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering, which means it’s hot enough to start cooking.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Let them cook without moving them for about 4-5 minutes. You want a nice golden-brown crust to form. That’s where all the flavor is!
4. Flip and Add Butter:
Carefully flip the pork chops over. Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Let it melt and start to sizzle.
5. Add Flavor:
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic, thyme, and chopped rosemary (if using) to the pan. This is when your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Baste the Chops:
Using a spoon, continually baste the garlic butter over the pork chops as they finish cooking for another 4-5 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork.
7. Rest the Chops:
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover them loosely with foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps lock in the juices!
8. Finish the Sauce:
In the same skillet, stir the remaining tablespoon of butter into the pan juices. This will make a delicious sauce to drizzle over the pork chops.
9. Serve:
Drizzle the buttery sauce over the rested pork chops and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges if you’d like a hint of brightness.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful garlic butter pork chops!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed pork chops for even cooking! If you have frozen chops, thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for faster thawing before cooking.
Can I Substitute Garlic Powder for Fresh Garlic?
Yes, you can use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic! Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. Just keep in mind that fresh garlic has a richer flavor.
How Do I Know When the Pork Chops Are Done Cooking?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer! You want the internal temperature to reach 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the chops should feel firm to the touch and have a nice golden brown color on the outside.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
