Sizzling Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe for Juicy Dinner Magic
Juicy and succulent garlic butter pork chops promise a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Aromatic herbs mingle with rich, melted butter to create a mouthwatering experience.
Crispy edges and tender meat guarantee a perfect dinner solution for busy nights.
Skilled home cooks can master this simple yet impressive dish in minutes.
Salt and pepper become magical ingredients that enhance the natural flavors of premium pork.
Each bite delivers a comforting warmth that feels like a delicious hug from your kitchen.
You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible meal.
Why Garlic Butter Pork Chops Always Hit The Spot
What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Main Protein:Seasoning Blend:Cooking Fats and Aromatics:Herb and Spice Blend:Finishing Touches:How To Cook Garlic Butter Pork Chops Perfectly
Step 1: Prep the Pork Chops
Use paper towels to completely dry the pork chops. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika, creating a delicious flavor coating that will enhance the meat’s natural taste.
Step 2: Fire Up the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour a splash of olive oil to create a perfect searing surface.
The pan should be hot enough to create a beautiful golden crust on the pork chops.
Step 3: Create a Golden Sear
Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a rich, caramel-brown color. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked meat.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to low and add butter to the pan. Watch as it melts and creates a luxurious sauce base.
Step 5: Infuse With Aromatic Herbs
Quickly add the following ingredients:Stir these ingredients for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with an incredible fragrant aroma.
Step 6: Finish With Bright Citrus
Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the pork chops.
Spoon the rich, herby garlic butter sauce generously over the meat, ensuring every inch is coated with flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the pork chops immediately while they’re piping hot and the sauce is still bubbling.
Tips To Nail Garlic Butter Pork Chops Every Time
Tasty Changes For Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Side Picks For Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Store Garlic Butter Pork Chops Without Hassle
FAQs On Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The meat should be golden brown on the outside and slightly pink in the center for juicy, tender results.
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
A heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel works best. These pans distribute heat evenly and help create a perfect golden-brown crust on the pork chops.
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Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Succulent garlic butter pork chops deliver rich Mediterranean flavors that dance across dinner plates with irresistible charm. Hearty proteins kissed by golden butter and aromatic garlic promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry pork chops using paper towels, ensuring surfaces are completely moisture-free.
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika, creating an even coating.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil to create a hot cooking surface.
- Carefully place seasoned pork chops into the skillet, allowing them to sear for 3-4 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown crust.
- Flip chops and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, monitoring internal temperature to reach 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Reduce heat to low and introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly in the pan.
- Quickly incorporate minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Splash lemon juice across the pork chops, creating a bright, tangy undertone.
- Generously spoon the infused garlic butter sauce over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
- Remove skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Serve immediately while the pork chops remain warm and the sauce is at its most flavorful.
Notes
- Ensure pork chops are completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Select bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and juiciness, which help retain moisture during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness and prevent overcooking, keeping the meat tender and succulent.
- Adapt the recipe for low-carb or keto diets by using grass-fed butter and skipping any additional sugary ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Mia Thompson
Pastry Chef & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.
National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.
Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.