There's nothing quite like the sizzle of Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe hitting a hot cast iron skillet, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. As someone who's cooked thousands of pork chops over the years, I can tell you that this particular Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe will become your go-to weeknight dinner solution.
What makes this Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe so special is its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. In just 30 minutes, you'll have restaurant-quality pork chops that are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that your family will beg you to make again. This Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe works beautifully with both bone-in and boneless cuts, making it incredibly versatile for any home cook.
Why This Garlic Butter Method Creates the Perfect Pork Chops
The secret behind this amazing Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe lies in the two-step cooking process that locks in moisture while building incredible flavor. Unlike other pork chop recipes that can leave you with dry, tough meat, this Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe uses a searing technique followed by a butter basting method that keeps every bite succulent.
What sets this Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe apart from traditional methods is how the garlic infuses directly into the meat during cooking, rather than just sitting on top as a garnish. The butter acts as a carrier for the garlic, creating a golden crust while the herbs add depth and complexity. This Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe has become my signature dish for family dinners because it delivers consistent results every single time.
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Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh parsley
- Chicken broth
- Lemon juice
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare and Season the Pork Chops
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature
- Pat chops completely dry with paper towels
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder
- Let seasoning sit for 10 minutes to penetrate the meat
Sear the Pork Chops
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat
- When oil shimmers, carefully add pork chops to the pan
- Sear for 3-4 minutes on first side without moving them
- Flip and sear another 3-4 minutes until golden brown on both sides
- Check internal temperature reaches 145°F with a meat thermometer
Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet
- Add minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the melted butter
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze the pan
- Stir in fresh parsley and let sauce simmer for 2 minutes
Finish and Rest
- Drizzle with remaining pan sauce
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the pork chops repeatedly
- Remove from heat and tent with foil
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Expert Cooking Tips
Temperature Control Secrets
- Getting the perfect sear requires medium-high heat initially, then reducing to medium once you add the butter. This prevents the garlic from burning while still creating that beautiful caramelization. Always use a meat thermometer; pork chops are done at 145°F internal temperature.
Butter Basting Technique
- Once you add the butter, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the pork chops with the melted garlic butter. This technique, called arroser, keeps the meat moist while building flavor layers.
Choosing the Right Cut
- Bone-in pork chops: More flavor and stay juicier during cooking
- Boneless pork chops: Cook faster and are easier to eat
- Thickness matters: Never go thinner than ¾ inch or you'll end up with overcooked meat
Timing and Resting
- Don't skip the resting period. Those 5 minutes allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while maintaining the crispy exterior.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs
- Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in this recipe. Add hardy herbs like thyme and rosemary early in the cooking process, but save delicate herbs like parsley for the very end to preserve their bright flavor.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Creamy Garlic Butter Version
- Transform this dish by adding ½ cup heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce. After deglazing with chicken broth, stir in the cream and let it simmer until slightly thickened. This creates a rich, restaurant-style sauce that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice.
Mushroom Garlic Butter Pork Chops
- Add 8 oz of sliced cremini or button mushrooms to the pan after removing the pork chops. Sauté until golden, then proceed with the garlic butter sauce. The mushrooms absorb all those delicious pan drippings and add an earthy depth to the dish.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
- This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates. For strict keto dieters, skip the chicken broth or use bone broth instead. Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables instead of traditional sides.
Dairy-Free Alternative
- Replace butter with ghee or a high-quality olive oil for the sauce. While you'll lose some of the richness, the garlic and herb flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Herb Variations
- Mediterranean style: Use oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes
- French-inspired: Add tarragon and white wine instead of chicken broth
- Mexican twist: Include cumin, chili powder, and fresh cilantro
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe is how easily it adapts to different flavor profiles while maintaining its core appeal.
Equipment Recommendations
- The right equipment makes a significant difference in executing this Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe perfectly. A heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat evenly and creates the best sear. If you don't have cast iron, a stainless steel pan works well too.
Essential Tools:
- Cast iron or stainless steel skillet (12-inch preferred)
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Long-handled spoon for basting
- Tongs for flipping
- Paper towels for patting dry
Nice-to-Have Items:
- Splatter screen to keep your stovetop clean
- Small prep bowls for organizing ingredients
- Sharp chef's knife for mincing garlic
- Cutting board with juice groove
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cooked pork chops in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container with any remaining garlic butter sauce to keep them moist.
Freezer Storage
- While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked pork chops for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods
- Oven method: Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covered with foil
- Skillet method: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth
- Microwave: Use 50% power in 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking
Meal Prep Strategy
- Season pork chops up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the garlic butter sauce components ahead of time, keeping minced garlic in olive oil and chopping herbs fresh the day of cooking.well to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret I learned from my grandmother that transforms ordinary pork chops into something extraordinary. Before seasoning, she would score the fat cap of bone-in pork chops in a crosshatch pattern. This simple technique prevents the chops from curling during cooking and allows the seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat.
The second secret involves the butter temperature. Instead of adding cold butter to the hot pan, let it come to room temperature first. Room temperature butter melts more evenly and creates a smoother sauce that coats the Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe beautifully. This small detail makes the difference between a good dish and an unforgettable one that your family will request again and again.
FAQ
Does garlic butter go with pork chops?
Absolutely! Garlic butter is one of the most complementary flavor combinations for pork chops. The richness of butter balances pork's natural flavors while garlic adds aromatic depth. This Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe showcases this classic pairing perfectly.
What is the best seasoning for pork chops?
The best seasoning starts with salt and pepper, then builds with garlic powder, paprika, and fresh herbs. This Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe uses a simple yet effective seasoning blend that doesn't overpower the meat's natural taste.
What is the secret to cooking tender pork chops?
The secret is not overcooking them! Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F, then let them rest. Also, choose thicker chops (at least 1-inch), pat them dry before cooking, and don't move them too much during searing.
Is it better to pan fry or oven bake pork chops?
Pan frying creates a better sear and crust, which is essential for this Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe. The direct contact with the hot skillet develops more flavor than oven baking, and you can create the garlic butter sauce right in the same pan.
More Delicious Dinner Ideas You'll Love
Now that you've mastered this incredible Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe, you'll want to expand your weeknight dinner repertoire with two more family favorites. These recipes use similar cooking techniques and will give you even more confidence in the kitchen.
Try my Tomato Gnocchi Recipe next; it's another 30-minute meal that brings restaurant quality to your dining table with pillowy gnocchi in a rich tomato sauce. For something with similar garlic butter flavors, my Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe delivers that same satisfying combination of sweet and savory that makes this Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe so irresistible. Both recipes will become staples in your weekly meal rotation, just like this amazing Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe has for countless families already.
With love from my kitchen to yours
By Lisa Johnson💌
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe
Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cast iron or stainless steel skillet (12-inch) Heavy-bottomed, best for even heat and golden sear
- 1 Instant-read meat thermometer Ensures pork chops reach safe 145°F internal temperature
- 1 Long-handled spoon (for basting) Used for butter basting (arroser technique)
- 1 Tongs For flipping pork chops without piercing the meat
- Several Paper towels Pat chops completely dry before seasoning & searing
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 pork chops bone-in or boneless, 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Additions
- 0.5 cup heavy cream for creamy version
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder.
- Heat oil, sear pork chops 3–4 min per side until golden.
- Reduce heat, melt butter, add garlic, thyme, rosemary.
- Add broth and lemon juice, simmer sauce.
- Spoon garlic butter over pork, cook to 145°F.
- Tent with foil, rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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