Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Garlic Butter Pork Chops offer a perfect blend of juicy, tender pork infused with rich garlic and creamy butter flavors. This quick and easy recipe transforms basic pork chops into a gourmet, golden-crisp meal that’s flavorful, moist, and perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 4 garlic cloves, fresh minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or your choice of fresh herbs)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Prepare and Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps in achieving a golden crust. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, making sure the seasoning penetrates the meat for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the pork chops and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even cooking. Remove the chops and set aside once seared.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, stirring to infuse the butter with their flavor.
- Finish Cooking the Pork Chops in Butter: Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over each piece and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes depending on thickness, basting regularly to keep them moist and flavorful. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps juices redistribute, ensuring maximum juiciness. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce over the chops and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature meat by letting pork chops sit out for 20 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing instead of steaming.
- Use medium-high heat to seal in the meat’s juices without burning the garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary significantly enhance aroma and flavor.
- Rest the meat after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Optional: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Optional: Swap herbs such as sage, oregano, or basil for flavor variation.
- Optional: Top with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese near the end for a cheesy twist.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure seasoning blends contain no gluten.
- Optional: Add lemon zest alongside juice for intensified citrus flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: garlic butter pork chops, garlic pork chops, butter pork chops, quick pork recipe, easy dinner, juicy pork chops, weeknight meal, gluten free pork chops