If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying main dish that tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen, Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops are about to become your new favorite. Perfectly seasoned pork chops are seared until golden, then kissed with a luscious garlic butter sauce that amplifies every juicy bite. Whether you’re impressing guests or elevating a weeknight dinner, this recipe promises big flavor with minimal fuss and maximum reward.

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops is all in its simplicity. Each ingredient is there for a reason, blending together to create robust flavor, a gorgeous crust, and mouthwatering aroma. Quality pork, aromatic garlic, and a touch of butter come together like magic.

Pork chops (2, bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick): Thick chops keep the meat absolutely juicy and deliver that satisfying, hearty bite.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced or finely chopped): Fresh garlic perfumes the butter and seeps into the pork, making every bite aromatic.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Butter is the secret to a rich, velvety sauce that clings to the meat and caramelizes beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Olive oil helps raise the searing temperature, so you get a brilliant golden crust on your chops.
Salt (to taste): Brings out the natural flavors and ensures the pork is seasoned all the way through.
Pepper (to taste): Adds the perfect gentle heat and depth.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp, optional): For a touch of smokiness and color that makes the exterior pop.
Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme, for garnish – optional): Adds a fresh finish and a burst of color to every plate.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Start by trimming any excess fat from your pork chops—this helps the meat cook evenly and prevents flare-ups. Pat each chop dry with a paper towel, which is absolutely crucial for getting that signature golden-brown crust. Once dry, sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika if you’re using it. This simple seasoning ensures each bite is bursting with flavor inside and out.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Choose a cast iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed pan for best results—these retain and distribute heat perfectly, setting you up for that deep, caramelized sear. Drizzle olive oil into the pan and heat over medium-high until the oil shimmers. A hot pan is key to locking in juices and building that irresistible crust that makes Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops so memorable.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

Carefully place the pork chops into the hot pan, laying them down away from you to avoid splatter. Give them space—if your pan is small, sear in batches. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side so a gorgeous crust can form. Flip only once, then sear the second side for another 3-4 minutes. Resist the temptation to move them around too much; this ensures they develop those beautiful golden edges.

Step 4: Add Garlic Butter

Once both sides are seared, reduce your stove to medium heat and add the butter straight to the pan. As it melts, scatter in the minced garlic and let the aroma wrap around the pork chops. Spoon the melted, garlicky butter over each chop repeatedly for 1-2 minutes, infusing them with rich, nutty flavor and locking in even more juiciness.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

The best way to ensure your Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops are perfectly cooked and safe? Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chop, ensuring it reads 145°F. This will keep the meat succulent and tender, never dry or tough. Once there, transfer the chops to a plate and let them rest for about five minutes. This little break makes all the difference—letting the juices redistribute throughout each chop for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Garnishes

Top your Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme for an extra flourish. Not only do these herbs add a fresh pop of color, but their subtle earthiness pairs exquisitely with the rich, garlicky butter. A few lemon wedges on the side are a bright, zesty touch if you like a hint of acidity.

Side Dishes

These pork chops are wonderfully versatile, making them a dream to pair with so many sides. Try serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce, or pile high next to buttery green beans or roasted veggies for something lighter. Even a crisp side salad makes a perfect, refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy about making Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops the star of your next dinner party. Slice them thick and fan them over a rustic wooden platter, drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the pan over top, and sprinkle with herbs just before serving. For a cozy, casual twist, serve the chops straight from your skillet at the table and let everyone dive in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops should be cooled completely, then wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious and moist for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

If you need to make the chops ahead or save for a later meal, simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops freeze beautifully for up to two months—just be sure to reheat gently for best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, the best way to keep the pork juicy is to place the chops in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover tightly with foil, and warm at 300°F until just heated through. A quick sear in a hot pan with a bit of fresh butter can also revive the crust and bring back that irresistible flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless pork chops in this recipe?

Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless chops work well for Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops; just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, since boneless will cook more quickly.

What’s the best way to prevent pork chops from drying out?

Patting the chops dry, searing over high heat, and resting the meat after cooking all help keep your Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops juicy and tender. Using a meat thermometer is the ultimate fail-safe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute a high-quality plant-based butter for regular unsalted butter, or use a splash of olive oil in place of butter. The flavor will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Do I need to marinate the pork chops?

No marinade is needed! The high-heat sear and rich garlic butter sauce do all the heavy lifting, making Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops flavorful and deeply satisfying without any advance prep.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

Always check with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 145°F. The meat will be slightly pink in the center and incredibly juicy, just the way pork chops should be.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste how easy and delectable Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops can be, you’ll want to put them on repeat. With just a few everyday ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a meal worthy of any occasion. Give it a try, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to pork chops that are anything but ordinary!

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy and flavorful, these Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops are a quick and easy meal perfect for any night of the week. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a deliciously rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the seared pork chops.

Ingredients

Scale

Pork Chops:

2 Pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
1 tsp Smoked paprika (optional)

Garlic Butter:

3 cloves Garlic (minced or finely chopped)
2 tbsp Unsalted butter
1 tbsp Olive oil

For Garnish:

Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme, for garnish – optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pork Chops: Trim any excess fat and pat the chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the Pork Chops: Sear chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden crust forms.
Add Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic to the pan. Baste the chops with the melted butter.
Check the Temperature: Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F with a meat thermometer.
Rest and Serve: Remove chops from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: American