easy pork chop recipe
The Best easy pork chop recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy nights because it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. I usually pair it with roasted veggies or a quick salad, and suddenly, dinner is done without me feeling like I’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, pork chops are a great source of protein and B vitamins, which keeps my family full and energized. It’s one of those meals that checks all the boxes: fast, healthy, and something everyone at the table will actually eat. I’ve made it so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but it never gets old.
Easy Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops seared to perfection and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. This simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
🥘Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. -
2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside. -
3
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
4
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in parsley and thyme, then let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. -
5
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the pork chops. -
6
Remove from heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Garlic Butter Pork Chops Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Pork Chops
1. How long does it take to cook the easy pork chops?
This easy pork chop recipe typically takes about 20-25 minutes to cook, including prep time. The actual cooking time is around 10-12 minutes (5-6 minutes per side) for boneless chops that are about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Thicker chops may require a few extra minutes per side.
2. Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Yes! Bone-in pork chops work just as well. They may take slightly longer to cook—about 1-2 extra minutes per side—since the bone can slow down heat penetration. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
3. What seasonings work best for this recipe?
Simple seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika work great for a classic flavor. You can also experiment with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add a pinch of cayenne for heat. For extra flavor, try marinating the chops in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
4. How do I keep the pork chops from drying out?
To prevent dry pork chops, avoid overcooking them—use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F/63°C). Letting the chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking helps retain juices. You can also brine them in saltwater (¼ cup salt per 4 cups water) for 30 minutes before cooking for extra moisture.
5. Can I bake or air-fry the pork chops instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. For air-frying, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Both methods yield juicy results—just ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
