This delicious Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops comes together in just about 30 minutes and uses a simple one-pan method for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can totally switch up the seasonings or add some sautéed veggies to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to use up those random bits from the fridge. Perfect for those busy nights, right?
Ingredient Breakdown
Pork Chops
Pork chops are the star of the dish! I prefer bone-in chops because they tend to be juicier and have more flavor. You can use boneless chops if that’s what you have or what you prefer, they’ll work just fine. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since boneless chops cook faster.
Garlic Butter
You might be wondering: why garlic butter? Well, it’s going to give you the best flavor possible and adds richness that will make the pork chops simply irresistible! I like to make my garlic butter with fresh garlic, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic and still get great taste. Just be aware that it won’t be quite as aromatic, though it’ll still be tasty!
Salt and Pepper
A couple of pinches of salt and pepper can elevate the flavor of your pork chops immensely. I usually stick with a hefty sprinkle of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, you can cut back on the salt or use a salt substitute without sacrificing flavor.
Olive Oil
I use about a tablespoon of olive oil to help sear the pork chops to that perfect golden-brown crust. Feel free to use avocado oil if you’re looking for a higher smoke point! The oil also helps prevent the butter from burning, so it’s essential for the recipe.
Fresh Parsley
This lovely green herb isn’t just for decoration; fresh parsley is a great way to brighten up the dish and add a pop of color. If you don’t have parsley on hand, you can substitute with thyme or even chives for a different herbal note.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Heat Up the Skillet: Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up until it shimmers, that’s when you know it’s ready!
Season the Pork Chops: While the pan is heating, season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with it; flavor is the name of the game here!
Sear the Pork Chops: When the skillet is hot, add the pork chops. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them. You want that beautiful crispy, golden crust! Flip them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Add the Garlic Butter: In the last minute of cooking, add the garlic butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt, then spoon it generously over the pork chops until fragrant. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Rest and Garnish: Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Serve: Plate the pork chops and drizzle the garlic butter from the pan over them. Enjoy the compliments as your family digs in!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want something comforting that doesn’t take hours to prepare! Seriously, it’s one of those magical meals that’s quick yet feels fancy with that garlic butter goodness. And oh boy, I’m a real sucker for any dish with garlic, can you blame me? It’s not just about the chop; it’s about layering flavors that make this a family favorite. The best part is, you can swap out the sides or throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s just versatility in the kitchen at its finest!
If you loved this Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops, be sure to check out my Simple Herb Roasted Potatoes, my Green Bean Casserole, or my Cheesy Homemade Ground Beef Mashed Potato Bake!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under [30 minutes] perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a hearty meal!
One Pan
This recipe comes together all in one pan, meaning less cleanup for you. It’s about efficiency in the kitchen, my friends!
Crowd-Pleaser
Like I mentioned before, the whole family will love it! Even the picky eaters seem to devour these pork chops, and that’s saying something!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have. Don’t feel bound, toss in some seasonal veggies or flavors that appeal to your family!
Loaded with Flavor
That garlic butter just takes it over the top! Each bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Serving & Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
I love serving these pork chops alongside a fresh salad, creamy mashed potatoes, and some roasted green beans for a well-rounded meal. They also pair amazingly with rice or even quinoa if you’re feeling extra!
Storage
These delicious pork chops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop them back in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent them from drying out. Cover with a lid and reheat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes but the stovetop method will keep them juicier!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! These can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
And there you have it! A really easy, yet impressively delicious, Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops recipe that’s sure to make your weeknight dinners stress-free. I mean, just think about it: tender pork, creamy garlic butter, quick cleanup…you’ll be a cooking rockstar in no time! So go on, give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and warm until shimmering.
- Season pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add the pork chops to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them for a crispy, golden crust.
- Flip the pork chops and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- In the last minute of cooking, add garlic butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and spoon it over the pork chops.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Plate the pork chops and drizzle with remaining garlic butter from the pan.