Pork & Seafood · Easy
Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Pork Chops
These pan-seared garlic butter pork chops are proof that easy pork chops can still taste like a special occasion meal. A quick sear locks in juices, and a garlic butter baste adds rich, savory flavor in under 20 minutes.
5Prep min
12Cook min
17Total min
What you'll need
- 4 (about 1.5 inches thick)bone-in or boneless pork chops
- to tastesalt and black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
- 1 tablespoonolive oil
- 3 tablespoonsbutter
- 4garlic cloves, smashed
- 3-4fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
Let's cook
- 1Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 2Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 3Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- 4Reduce heat to medium, add the butter, smashed garlic, and herb sprigs to the pan.
- 5Tilt the pan slightly and continuously spoon the melted garlic butter over the chops for about 2 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145F.
- 6Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, spooning any remaining pan sauce on top.
Make it yours
- Use boneless chops for a slightly faster cook time.
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan for a sauce.
- Try with fresh sage instead of thyme.
Good with
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- A simple side salad
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, answered.
How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer and pulling the chops at 145F, then letting them rest before slicing.
Can I use thinner pork chops?
Yes, just reduce the sear time to about 2-3 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.



