Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There was a time when pork chops intimidated me. I’d always end up with dry, tough meat that made dinner a bit of a disappointment. But one chilly fall evening, after some trial and error, I finally nailed the perfect Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe. The juicy, tender meat bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce won over my family — and ever since, this recipe has been my go-to comfort meal.
I want to share this Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe with you because it’s simple, quick, and delivers incredible flavor every time. If you’ve been hesitant to cook pork chops or want a reliable recipe that’s packed with flavor, read on. This garlic butter pork chops recipe will make dinner feel special, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal.
Do you want more recipes?
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Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe (2025)
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering pork chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick (bone-in keeps them juicy)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or more if you love garlic like me!)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional but adds lovely aroma)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Season and Dry the Pork Chops
The first secret to juicy pork chops is to pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them sear beautifully. Then, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural pork flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot and shimmering, place the pork chops in the skillet. Sear without moving them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crusty.
This step creates the foundation for flavor, so resist the urge to flip too often.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Butter, and Herbs
Once seared, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the pork chops continuously. This infuses the meat with that irresistible garlicky butter flavor and keeps it moist.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
Let the pork chops cook in the garlic butter for another 3 to 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for firm meat with juices running clear.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe
Now for the fun part — serving your pork chops! Here are some delicious ideas:
- Classic comfort: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes. The garlic butter sauce is perfect drizzled on top.
- Light and fresh: Pair with steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, or broccoli.
- Wholesome grain bowl: Place pork chops on quinoa or rice with sautéed greens.
- Simple salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Vegetable medley: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement the richness beautifully.
For a final touch, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pork chops and sprinkle chopped parsley to add a burst of brightness and color.
Tips
- Choose bone-in chops: They stay juicier and have more flavor.
- Don’t skip drying: Patting chops dry ensures a great sear.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add depth and aroma.
- Baste often: Spoon melted garlic butter over the pork chops as they cook for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Avoid overcooking: Overcooked pork chops become dry, so keep a close eye on temperature.
- Let it rest: Resting the meat before slicing locks in juices.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, here are some variations that take this recipe to the next level:
1. Spicy Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter for a little heat.
2. Creamy Garlic Butter Pork Chops
After cooking, remove the pork chops and add a splash of heavy cream to the pan. Simmer to create a creamy sauce and pour it over the chops.
3. Mushroom Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding pork chops for an earthy, rich flavor.
4. Lemon Herb Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Add extra lemon zest and juice, plus herbs like oregano or basil, for a fresh Mediterranean twist.
5. Smoky Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Sprinkle smoked paprika on the chops before searing for a smoky undertone.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
Yes! Boneless pork chops will work but cook faster. Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out.
Q2. How do I know when pork chops are cooked through?
The USDA recommends 145°F (63°C). The meat should be just slightly pink inside and juicy.
Q3. Can I prepare this Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe ahead of time?
You can season pork chops ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Cook just before serving for best results.
Q4. What sides pair best with garlic butter pork chops?
Mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, sautéed greens, and salads all work beautifully.
Q5. Can I freeze cooked pork chops?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Final Thoughts
From my kitchen to yours, this garlic butter pork chops recipe is a total game-changer. It’s simple enough for busy nights yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor. The combination of golden seared pork, fragrant garlic butter, and fresh herbs is irresistibly delicious.
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make pork chops juicy, flavorful, and downright mouthwatering, give this garlic butter pork chops recipe a try. Trust me — once you make these garlic butter pork chops recipe, it will quickly become a dinner favorite.