If you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress, the Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish marries perfectly seared, juicy pork chops with a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs. Each bite delivers a mouthwatering combination of crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with hints of rosemary and thyme that elevate the simple pork chop to pure comfort food magic. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be on your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing its own magic to the Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe. Think of them as the simple building blocks that create a complex, savory masterpiece full of color, aroma, and texture.
- 4 bone-in pork chops, at least 1-inch thick: Thick chops ensure juicy, tender meat that sears beautifully without drying out.
- 1 teaspoon salt: The perfect seasoning base to enhance the natural pork flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth of spice.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and a gorgeous golden hue to your chops.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear while keeping the pork moist.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, providing a rich, creamy texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter with a warm, aromatic punch of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Adds an earthy, pine-like freshness that complements pork flawlessly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Brings subtle citrusy and floral notes to round out the herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Start by seasoning your pork chops evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This trio not only seasons the meat perfectly but the paprika lends that beautiful color that makes your chops look irresistible. Don’t rush this step—it’s the foundation for flavor!
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers to ensure a hot enough pan, which is key for that coveted golden crust on your pork chops.
Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops
Carefully place the pork chops in the pan, making sure not to crowd them so they sear instead of steam. Let each chop cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a mouthwatering, golden-brown crust that locks in juices.
Step 4: Add Butter and Herbs
Turn the heat down to medium and toss in the butter. As it melts, add the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. The sizzling herbs in butter create a heavenly aroma that will fill your kitchen and your heart with joy.
Step 5: Baste with Garlic Butter
Here’s the part that turns good pork into unforgettable pork. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the chops continuously with the fragrant garlic herb butter. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to guarantee juicy, safe-to-eat meat.
Step 6: Let the Pork Rest
Remove the chops from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, leaving you with tender, flavorful pork chops every time.
Step 7: Serve with Garlic Butter
Finish by spooning the garlic butter sauce generously over each chop. The rich, buttery drizzle is the final flourish that makes this Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe an absolute delight on your plate.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra rosemary sprigs not only adds a pop of color but also boosts the fresh herbal notes. Thin lemon slices can also brighten the richness and make each bite pop.
Side Dishes
For sides, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic green beans work beautifully, soaking up any extra garlic butter sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp salad can provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the pork.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your pork chops on a rustic wooden board with the garlic butter pan drippings pooled around the edges. Adding a colorful side like a roasted beet or carrot salad makes your dish visually stunning and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover garlic butter pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the garlic butter sauce on the chops to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked pork chops by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep or quick dinners down the line.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat so the chops warm evenly without drying out. Spoon on any reserved garlic butter while reheating to refresh that luscious flavor and juicy texture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work well too, but because they are thinner, reduce searing time so they don’t dry out during cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried rosemary and thyme can be used in a pinch. Just use about one-third of the fresh amount and add them earlier in the cooking process to release their flavors fully.
How do I know when the pork chops are cooked perfectly?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures juicy, tender meat without overcooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses simple, whole ingredients with no breadcrumbs or flour.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a dry white like Chardonnay complements the flavors in the garlic butter pan seared pork chops beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe is one of those recipes that delivers big on flavor without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Its irresistible garlic herb butter sauce and perfectly seared chops make every meal feel special. Give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with pork all over again—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously juicy Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops cooked to perfection with fresh herbs and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This recipe yields tender, golden-brown pork chops with a rich buttery finish, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops, at least 1-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Season Pork Chops: Season the pork chops evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika, making sure each chop is fully coated to enhance flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, indicating it is hot enough for searing.
- Sear Pork Chops: Carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet without crowding. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Add Butter and Herbs: Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme to infuse the butter with aromatic flavors.
- Baste Pork Chops: Continuously spoon the garlic herb butter over the pork chops to keep them moist and flavorful. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safety and tenderness.
- Rest Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
- Serve: Drizzle the remaining garlic herb butter from the skillet over the pork chops and serve them with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Letting the meat rest is crucial for maximum juiciness.
- Fresh herbs enhance the flavor more than dried ones.
- Can be served with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
