Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops: The Ultimate Juicy Skillet Dinner

Few dinners hit the sweet spot between simple, indulgent, and impressive quite like Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops. With a beautifully golden crust, tender interior, and rich garlic butter sauce, this dish proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or long cooking times to create restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Pan-searing pork chops is one of the most reliable ways to lock in moisture while developing deep, savory flavor. When finished with butter infused with fresh garlic and herbs, the result is a dish that feels luxurious yet comforting — perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even casual entertaining.

This recipe focuses on technique over complexity. When pork chops are cooked correctly, they’re juicy, flavorful, and anything but dry. The garlic butter adds richness while enhancing the natural flavor of the meat rather than overpowering it.

Why This Garlic Butter Pork Chop Recipe Works

Pork chops have a reputation for being dry, but that usually comes down to overcooking. This method uses high-heat pan searing followed by gentle basting in garlic butter to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Key reasons this recipe succeeds:

• High heat creates a flavorful crust
• Butter basting keeps the meat moist
• Garlic infuses aroma without burning
• Simple seasoning lets pork shine
• Short cooking time prevents dryness

Whether you’re cooking bone-in or boneless pork chops, this method adapts easily while delivering consistently excellent results.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops (1–1¼ inches thick, bone-in or boneless)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Paprika (optional, for color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley or thyme, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops
   Remove pork chops from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
2. Heat the Skillet
   Place a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering.
3. Sear the Pork Chops
   Carefully place pork chops in the hot skillet. Do not move them. Sear for 3–4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.
4. Flip and Add Butter
   Flip the pork chops and immediately add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic.
5. Baste with Garlic Butter
   Tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter over the pork chops repeatedly for 2–3 minutes.
6. Check Doneness
   Pork chops are done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove from heat promptly.
7. Rest the Meat
   Transfer pork chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon remaining garlic butter over the top before serving.

Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops

Juicy pan-seared pork chops finished with rich garlic butter for a quick and flavorful skillet dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 pork chops

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 pork chops 1–1¼ inches thick
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika optional
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, optional

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

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. Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes without moving until golden brown.
4. Flip pork chops and add butter and garlic to the pan.
5. Baste pork chops with melted garlic butter for 2–3 minutes.
6. Remove pork chops when internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Rest for 5 minutes and spoon remaining butter over the top before serving.

Notes

Use thick-cut pork chops for the juiciest results. Avoid overcooking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chops

• Thickness matters: Thicker chops stay juicier.
• Dry surface = better crust: Moisture prevents browning.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear in batches if needed.
• Garlic timing is key: Add it with butter to avoid burning.
• Resting is essential: This locks in juices.

Variations to Try

• Herb Garlic Butter Pork Chops
  Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter while basting.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Pork Chops
  Sprinkle chili flakes or cayenne into the butter.
• Lemon Garlic Pork Chops
  Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
  Deglaze pan with a splash of cream after removing pork.

Best Sides to Serve with Garlic Butter Pork Chops

• Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
• Roasted green beans or asparagus
• Garlic rice or buttered noodles
• Simple side salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted sweet potatoes

These sides balance the richness of the garlic butter while keeping the meal satisfying.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or butter.
• Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent drying.

Fun Fact: Why Butter Makes Pork Taste Better

Butter contains milk solids that caramelize during cooking, creating nutty, savory flavors. When combined with garlic, these flavors cling beautifully to pork’s natural sweetness, making every bite richer and more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops are proof that simple cooking techniques deliver the biggest rewards. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you get juicy pork chops with bold flavor and irresistible aroma.

Once you master this method, it becomes a dependable go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.