Garlic Butter Pork Chops are a flavorful and juicy dish featuring perfectly seared pork chops smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner, these pork chops pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce adds incredible depth and juiciness.
- Crispy and Juicy: A perfect balance of a golden sear and tender meat.
- Versatile: Works with different pork chop cuts and seasoning variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth (or white wine)
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Season the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. - Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. - Finish Cooking:
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 145°F). - Serve:
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 to 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Herb-Infused: Use rosemary or oregano for extra flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the finished pork chops.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals to retain moisture.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of pork chop for this recipe?
Bone-in chops provide more flavor, but boneless chops cook faster.
2. How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
Do not overcook—use a meat thermometer and remove from heat at 145°F.
3. Can I use pork tenderloin instead?
Yes, slice it into medallions and cook similarly.
4. What sides pair well with garlic butter pork chops?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad complement this dish well.
5. Can I bake the pork chops instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes for a crispy top.
6. How do I get a perfect sear on pork chops?
Ensure the skillet is hot and do not move the pork chops while searing.
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.
8. What type of wine works best in the sauce?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay adds great depth.
9. Can I grill these pork chops instead?
Yes, grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, then brush with garlic butter.
10. How do I thicken the garlic butter sauce?
Let the sauce simmer longer, or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Pork Chops are an easy, delicious, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich garlic butter sauce enhances the natural flavor of the pork while keeping it tender and juicy. Serve with your favorite sides for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy Garlic Butter Pork Chops are seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion meal, ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Pork Chops:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then return the pork chops to the pan.
- Finish Cooking:
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the pork chops.
- Let them simmer for another 3-5 minutes, until fully cooked (internal temp of 145°F).
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Notes
- Bone-in pork chops work well too; just adjust cooking time.
- Add heavy cream to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.
- Pair with garlic parmesan asparagus or buttered noodles for a full meal.
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