Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops: Juicy, Flavor-Packed, and Simple

Nothing beats a perfectly cooked pork chop — crispy, golden edges, juicy center, and infused with garlic butter. This Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner.

Pan-searing pork chops locks in flavor and moisture while creating a beautiful caramelized crust. Adding garlic and butter at the end gives a rich, aromatic finish that elevates simple chops into a restaurant-quality meal.

Whether paired with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad, these pork chops are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Dinner on the table in 20 minutes.
• Juicy, Tender Pork Chops: Pan-seared to perfection.
• Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: Infused with fresh garlic and herbs.
• Minimal Cleanup: Only one skillet needed.
• Family Favorite: Delicious and satisfying for all ages.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops
   Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the Skillet
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear the Pork Chops
   Add pork chops to the skillet, leaving space between them. Sear 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C). Remove from skillet and tent with foil.
4. Make Garlic Butter
   Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and thyme or rosemary. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Coat the Pork Chops
   Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon garlic butter over each chop to coat thoroughly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops

Juicy pan-seared pork chops with a rich garlic butter sauce — quick, easy, and flavorful for weeknight or special dinners.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops about 1-inch thick
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary optional
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
• lemon wedges optional, for serving

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Method

 

1. Pat pork chops dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear pork chops 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (145°F / 63°C). Remove and tent with foil.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add butter. Sauté garlic and herbs 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Return pork chops to skillet, spooning garlic butter over each chop for 1–2 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Rest pork chops for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices. Use fresh herbs for best flavor.

Tips for Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chops

• Choose Thick Chops: 1-inch thick pork chops sear better and stay juicy.
• Dry the Meat: Patting pork chops dry ensures a crispy crust.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed.
• Use a Thermometer: Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Rest the Meat: Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.

Delicious Variations

• Honey Garlic Butter Pork Chops: Add 1–2 tablespoons honey to the garlic butter sauce.
• Creamy Mushroom Garlic Butter Pork Chops: Sauté mushrooms after searing chops, then add cream to make a rich sauce.
• Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter.
• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and extra herbs for bright, fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted potatoes.
• Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
• A simple side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Optional: Drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce for indulgence.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate cooked pork chops in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning reserved garlic butter over chops.
• Freeze: Cooked pork chops freeze well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Highlights

Per Serving (1 chop approx.):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 280mg

Juicy, flavorful, and packed with protein, this garlic butter pork chop recipe is a balanced and satisfying meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Pan-searing locks in the juices while creating a flavorful crust. Garlic butter infused with fresh herbs adds richness and aroma. Minimal ingredients and fast prep make this an easy, elegant weeknight meal.

Quick Story: Restaurant-Quality at Home

Often, restaurant-style pork chops are thought to require complicated techniques. This recipe proves you can achieve juicy, tender chops at home with just a skillet, garlic, butter, and a few simple herbs. Perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that will become a staple in your dinner rotation. Crispy, juicy, and loaded with garlic butter goodness, these pork chops hit all the right notes — simple enough for weeknights, yet elegant enough for special occasions.

One pan. 20 minutes. Maximum flavor.