Garlic Butter Pork Chops (The Best!) Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and downright delicious, then you’re going to want to stick around for this. I’m so excited to share my Garlic Butter Pork Chops (The Best!) Recipe with you because this is one of those meals that always impresses without any fuss. Seriously, the way the garlic butter melts into the juicy pork chops is pure magic, and once you try it, I promise you’ll be making it over and over again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so simply, but each has a special role in making this dish soar. I like to pick bone-in pork chops that are at least an inch thick—trust me, it makes a huge difference for juiciness.

• Bone-in pork chops: Look for good marbling and thick chops to keep things tender and juicy.
• Coarse salt: Helps bring out the natural flavors and seasons the meat perfectly.
• Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite to balance the richness.
• Cooking oil: I usually use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for a nice sear without burning.
• Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully to create that luscious garlic butter sauce.
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Give a subtle herbal note that pairs wonderfully with pork.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is key—skip the powder for this one!
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze right before serving cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Garlic Butter Pork Chops (The Best!) Recipe is. I often switch it up based on what’s in my fridge or how fancy I want the meal to be. It’s all about making the recipe your own and keeping it fun!

• Herb Twist: Sometimes I swap thyme for rosemary or sage, which give the pork a different but equally amazing earthy aroma.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the thyme for a lighter but satisfying version.
• Smoky Flavor: Try smoked paprika in the seasoning mix for a barbeque vibe even on a stovetop.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pork Chops (The Best!) Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Like a Pro

The very first thing I do is pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is a game changer because getting rid of moisture helps build that perfect crispy sear. Then, I rub salt and black pepper evenly on both sides—not just sprinkling it, but really rubbing it in so the seasoning sticks and adds flavor throughout.

Step 2: Heat Your Pan and Melt the Magic

I heat up a sturdy skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil along with two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and the fresh thyme sprigs. This combo helps create a rich base and adds those wonderful herbaceous notes that get infused into the pork while searing.

Step 3: Sear Those Chops to Golden Perfection

Place the chops in the hot skillet and let them sit undisturbed for about 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when you see that gorgeous golden light brown crust. Resist the urge to poke or press—they want to form that crust!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Finish With Flair

Once the chops are nearly done, toss in the minced garlic and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Keep flipping the chops gently and sautée the garlic until it’s golden and fragrant—this only takes a minute or two. That garlic butter flavor is the heart and soul of this dish.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This is key—I learned the hard way that rushing this step leads to drier meat. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving wakes up all those flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pork Chops (The Best!) Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my pork chops with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few thyme leaves right before serving—it adds color and a fresh hit of herbal brightness. Plus, those lemon wedges on the side are non-negotiable for me; they add that perfect zing that cuts the richness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for these chops are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic green beans. Sometimes I throw together a crisp mixed greens salad to balance out the richness with some fresh crunch. You can’t really go wrong here, though—these pork chops pair beautifully with just about anything.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate the pork chops over a bed of sautéed spinach and drizzle a little of the garlic butter sauce from the pan around the plate for a restaurant-style touch. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts adds great texture and makes it feel extra gourmet without extra stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator and try to eat them within 2-3 days. To keep them from drying out, I add a little extra butter or a splash of broth when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing these pork chops works well if you wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or pop them in a freezer bag. When I defrost, I usually thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pork chops in a skillet over low heat with a little bit of butter or water to keep them moist. Avoid the microwave if you can—this way, they don’t dry out or become rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Pork Chops (The Best!) Recipe truly holds a special place in my weeknight rotation. It’s straightforward but tastes like you put in a ton of effort. Every time I make it, friends and family go crazy for the flavor and perfectly juicy chops. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine — go ahead and give it a try; you deserve a delicious, fuss-free dinner that hits all the right notes!

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