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.
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.