Get ready to fall in love with the easiest, most flavorful pork chop recipes skillet method! These Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops deliver restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen. With a golden crust on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside, this is one of those pork chop recipes easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for company.
The secret? A simple garlic butter sauce that coats every bite with rich, savory goodness. Whether you’re searching for quick pork chop recipes for dinner or want to master the art of pan-searing, this recipe is your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe
This is hands-down one of the best pork chop recipes boneless cuts can offer! The texture is perfectly tender with a gorgeous caramelized crust that locks in all the juices. Every bite melts in your mouth with buttery garlic flavor.
Unlike pork chop recipes crock pot or pork chop recipes slow cooker methods that take hours, these are ready in just 20 minutes. You get the same tender results without the wait! The taste is incredible—savory, slightly sweet from the caramelization, with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. It’s comfort food at its finest, and your whole family will be asking for seconds!
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Ingredients
Fresh, simple ingredients make this one of the most satisfying pork chop recipes for dinner:
- Boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Olive oil for searing
- Butter (the secret to that rich sauce!)
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: chicken broth for extra sauce
The key is using thick-cut boneless pork chops so they stay juicy during the quick cooking process!
How to Make Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
Follow these simple steps for perfect pork chop recipes skillet success:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add pork chops to the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving them. This creates that beautiful golden crust!
- Flip the chops and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they reach 145°F internal temperature.
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add fresh herbs and optional chicken broth, stirring to create a silky sauce.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon the garlic butter sauce over them, and serve immediately!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
Want perfect results every time? These tips will elevate your pork chop recipes easy game:
Don’t skip drying the meat. Moisture prevents proper browning. Pat those chops completely dry for the best crust.
Use a meat thermometer. Pull your chops at exactly 145°F for juicy, tender results. This works better than timing alone.
Let them rest. After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Choose the right thickness. One-inch thick boneless chops are ideal. Too thin and they’ll overcook; too thick and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Crowding lowers the temperature and steams rather than sears.
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Variations
Love experimenting? Try these twists on classic pork chop recipes:
Air Fryer Version: For pork chop recipes air fryer fans, season your chops and air fry at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway. Drizzle with garlic butter after cooking.
Oven-Finished Method: These pork chop recipes in oven start on the stovetop. Sear both sides, then transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven for 6-8 minutes to finish cooking.
Instant Pot Adaptation: For pork chop recipes instant pot, use the sauté function to brown both sides, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes with quick release.
Baked Alternative: Try pork chop recipes baked by searing first, then finishing in a 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes with garlic butter on top.
Healthy Twist: For pork chop recipes healthy, use less butter and add lemon juice with extra herbs for bright, fresh flavor without extra calories.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
Complete your pork chop recipes for dinner with these delicious sides:
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans complement the rich garlic butter perfectly.
Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash soak up that gorgeous pan sauce beautifully.
Fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pork.
Rice pilaf or quinoa makes this a complete, satisfying meal.
Sautéed mushrooms add earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with garlic butter.
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead? Absolutely! Bone-in chops work beautifully but need a few extra minutes of cooking time. They’re just as delicious as pork chop recipes boneless versions.
How do I know when my pork chops are done? Use a meat thermometer! The safe internal temperature is 145°F. This ensures juicy, tender meat without overcooking. Many pork chop recipes grilled or pan-seared rely on this golden rule.
Can I make these in a slow cooker or crock pot? While this recipe is designed for quick stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for pork chop recipes crock pot or pork chop recipes slow cooker by searing first, then cooking on low for 4-6 hours with broth and garlic.
Final Thoughts on Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
There you have it—the ultimate guide to making incredibly juicy, flavorful Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops! This is one of those pork chop recipes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe delivers every single time. The combination of a perfectly seared crust and buttery garlic sauce makes this one of the most craveable pork chop recipes for dinner you’ll ever try.
So grab your skillet and get cooking—your family is going to love this one! Happy cooking from all of us at CookJoy Recipes!
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add pork chops and sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until a golden crust forms.
- Flip pork chops and cook another 4–5 minutes until cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and herbs to the skillet.
- Spoon melted garlic butter over the pork chops for 1–2 minutes, basting continuously.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.