Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops

When you’re craving a hearty, restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in minutes, Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops are the answer. They’re golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor—thanks to the magic of searing and a generous drizzle of garlicky butter.

This simple yet elegant recipe transforms everyday pork chops into a meal worthy of applause. The beauty lies in the contrast: a crispy, caramelized exterior giving way to tender, moist meat inside. Each bite carries the richness of butter, the aroma of garlic, and the earthiness of fresh herbs.

If you’ve ever struggled with dry or flavorless pork chops, this guide will show you how to fix that forever. The secret? Proper searing and a butter baste that locks in flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Pork Chops

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Juicy and Tender: Simple cooking techniques keep the pork moist and flavorful.
• Restaurant-Level Taste: Garlic butter and herbs elevate this humble cut to gourmet status.
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need.
• One-Pan Cleanup: All the magic happens in a single skillet.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
   Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step ensures a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat the Pan:
   In a large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best), heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
   Place the pork chops in the hot pan and sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You want a deep golden crust.
4. Check Internal Temperature:
   When the chops reach about 135°F (57°C) internally, they’re almost ready. We’ll finish them with butter to bring them to perfect doneness.
5. Add Garlic and Butter:
   Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter repeatedly over the chops (basting) for 1–2 minutes.
6. Finish and Rest:
   Once the pork chops reach 145°F (63°C), remove from heat. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices.
7. Serve:
   Spoon the garlicky butter sauce over the pork chops, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops

Juicy, golden pork chops pan-seared to perfection and basted in rich garlic butter with fresh herbs — a simple yet elegant dinner ready in under 25 minutes.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 chops

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pork Chops

• 4 pork chops bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice optional
• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over the pork chops for 1–2 minutes.
6. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Remove from heat, rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Bone-in chops add more juiciness and depth of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chops

1. Don’t Overcook:
Pork is best when juicy and slightly pink inside. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend—145°F (63°C) is the magic number.

2. Use a Cast Iron Skillet:
It retains heat evenly, giving you that restaurant-style sear and perfect caramelization.

3. Let the Meat Rest:
Just 5 minutes of resting makes a huge difference. The juices redistribute, keeping every bite succulent.

4. Baste Like a Pro:
Spoon the melted butter and herbs over the meat repeatedly for a rich, aromatic finish.

5. Choose the Right Cut:
Thicker chops (about 1 inch) are easier to sear without drying out.

Flavor Variations

• Garlic Herb Butter: Add parsley, thyme, rosemary, and a touch of sage for a holiday-inspired twist.
• Honey Garlic Glaze: Mix honey and soy sauce into the butter for a sweet-savory balance.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce: After searing, remove chops and sauté sliced mushrooms in the same pan with cream and butter.
• Smoky Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning for a Southern spin with a little kick.
• Lemon Butter Freshness: A squeeze of lemon juice or zest adds brightness to the rich sauce.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Pork Chops

This recipe pairs perfectly with classic sides and modern favorites alike.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli for color and crunch.
• Rice Pilaf: The buttery pan juices make a flavorful addition to rice.
• Garlic Bread: For the true garlic lover, serve with crusty bread to mop up every drop.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pork.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or butter to keep the chops moist.
• Freeze: Wrap each pork chop individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes! Boneless chops cook a little faster, so reduce searing time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I bake these instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely. Sear the chops first for 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a 400°F (200°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to finish cooking.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for similar results.

Fun Fact

Pork chops have been a dinner favorite for centuries. The pan-searing technique dates back to French culinary traditions, where chefs relied on butter basting (“arroser”) to enhance flavor and juiciness. This recipe combines that timeless technique with simple, bold flavors for an everyday gourmet experience.

Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbs: 2g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 400mg

A balanced meal rich in protein and healthy fats—ideal for low-carb or keto-friendly diets.

Why This Recipe Works

It’s the combination of high heat searing, garlic butter basting, and herb aromatics that makes this dish shine. The butter caramelizes the pork while infusing it with flavor, and the herbs create a restaurant-style aroma that fills your kitchen.

Every bite is perfectly seasoned, juicy, and rich—a true showcase of how simple techniques can elevate a home-cooked meal to professional standards.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops are proof that amazing flavor doesn’t require fancy ingredients. With just a skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and a few minutes, you can make a dinner that feels special every single time.

The next time you’re short on time but still want to impress, skip takeout and make this. One bite of that buttery, garlicky crust, and you’ll wonder why you ever ate pork chops any other way.