Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops are a simple skillet dinner made with juicy pork chops, melted butter, fresh garlic, and herbs. The outside gets nicely browned in the pan, while the garlic butter spooned over the top keeps the meat flavorful and tender.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights because it cooks fast and uses basic ingredients. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, vegetables, or a salad for an easy dinner that feels hearty without much work.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick dinner: These pork chops cook in about 15 minutes.

• Simple ingredients: You only need pork chops, garlic, butter, oil, and seasonings.

• Great flavor: The garlic butter adds richness without needing a heavy sauce.

• Easy to pair: Serve with potatoes, vegetables, pasta, or rice.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet, preferably cast iron or stainless steel

• Tongs

• Spoon

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Measuring spoons

• Paper towels

• Meat thermometer

Ingredients List

For the Pork Chops

• 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Butter

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

Timing & Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

How to Make Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Step by Step

Step 1: Dry the pork chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the skillet.

Step 2: Season both sides
Season the pork chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides.

Step 3: Heat the skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Step 4: Sear the pork chops
Add the pork chops to the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side without moving them too much. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 5: Add the garlic butter
Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, and thyme or rosemary to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon it over the pork chops for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Check the temperature
Cook until the pork chops reach 145°F in the thickest part. Remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate.

Step 7: Rest and serve
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and add lemon juice if using. Spoon extra garlic butter from the pan over the top before serving.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

• Use pork chops that are about 1 inch thick so they stay juicy.

• Pat the meat dry before seasoning for a better sear.

• Do not crowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed.

• Let the pork chops sear without moving them too much.

• Use a meat thermometer for the best texture. Pork is done at 145°F.

• Let the pork chops rest before slicing so the juices stay inside.

• Add garlic after searing so it does not burn.

Variations to Try

• Use bone-in pork chops: Add a few extra minutes of cooking time.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

• Add Dijon: Stir 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard into the melted butter.

• Use different herbs: Try sage, oregano, or Italian seasoning.

• Add a pan sauce: After removing the pork chops, add a splash of chicken broth and simmer for 1 minute.

• Make it creamy: Stir in a little heavy cream after the pork chops are removed.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops go well with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or creamy polenta. The garlic butter from the pan tastes great spooned over any of these sides.

For vegetables, try green beans, roasted broccoli, asparagus, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or a simple side salad. You can also serve the pork chops with applesauce for a classic sweet and savory pairing.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

You can season the pork chops up to 12 hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the pork chops gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of broth or water. You can also microwave them in short intervals, but avoid overheating because pork chops can dry out.

Freezing is possible. Wrap cooked pork chops tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 360
Fat: 23g
Carbs: 2g
Protein: 34g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 690mg

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops are tender, juicy pork chops cooked to a golden crust and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and pairs well with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, southern

Servings 4 people

Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet, preferably cast iron or stainless steel
• Tongs
• Spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Paper Towels
• Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

  

For the Pork Chops

• 4 boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Butter

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional

Instructions

 

Step 1: Dry the pork chops

• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the skillet.

Step 2: Season both sides

• Season the pork chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides.

Step 3: Heat the skillet

• Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Step 4: Sear the pork chops

• Add the pork chops to the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side without moving them too much. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 5: Add the garlic butter

• Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, and thyme or rosemary to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon it over the pork chops for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Check the temperature

• Cook until the pork chops reach 145°F in the thickest part. Remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate.

Step 7: Rest and serve

• Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and add lemon juice if using. Spoon extra garlic butter from the pan over the top before serving.

Keyword Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

FAQs

Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes. Bone-in pork chops work well, but they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
Do not overcook them. Use a meat thermometer and remove them from the pan when they reach 145°F.

Can I use thin pork chops?
Yes, but they cook very quickly. Sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side and watch the temperature closely.

What oil is best for searing pork chops?
Olive oil works well over medium-high heat. Avocado oil or canola oil are also good options.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops are quick, simple, and full of rich garlic herb flavor. With a hot skillet, a few pantry seasonings, and a short resting time, you can make tender pork chops that fit easily into a weeknight dinner.