GARLIC BUTTER PORK CHOPS EASY

Craving a dinner that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to whip up? Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, perfectly seared pork chops bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with savory goodness. These Garlic Butter Pork Chops are ready in under 30 minutes, making them the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that’s guaranteed to impress, and I promise you, this will become a new family favorite!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pork Chops:

1. Pat Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the pork chops dry. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Trust me, skip this and you’ll end up steaming them instead!
2. Season Generously: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over both sides of the pork chops, ensuring they are evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Searing the Pork Chops:

1. Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the pork chops; you should see the butter melted and slightly bubbling. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for this, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will do.
2. Sear the Chops: Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain high heat. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The key here is to resist the urge to move them around too much! Let them sit undisturbed to get that perfect sear.
3. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. They should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone if using bone-in chops.
4. Remove and Rest: Once cooked to the desired temperature, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet you used to cook the pork chops (don’t wipe it out – all those delicious browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. Keep stirring it around.
2. Add Flavor: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Return Pork Chops to Pan: Place the rested pork chops back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Garlic Butter Pork Chops immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired. They are fantastic served with your favorite side dishes.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pork Chops

Choosing the Right Pork Chops:

The type of pork chop you choose can significantly impact the final result. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful and retain moisture better than boneless chops, but boneless chops cook more quickly and evenly. Look for chops that are about 1-inch thick for optimal cooking.

Doneness Matters:

Pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C), which will result in a slightly pink center. Overcooking pork chops will make them dry and tough, so using a meat thermometer is highly recommended. Remember to let them rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Preventing Dry Pork Chops:

One of the biggest challenges with cooking pork chops is keeping them from drying out. Here are a few tips:

• Don’t Overcook: As mentioned above, use a meat thermometer and avoid cooking past 145°F.
• Sear Properly: A good sear locks in the juices and adds flavor.
• Resting is Key: Allowing the pork chops to rest after cooking is essential for retaining moisture.
• Brining: For extra insurance against dryness, you can brine the pork chops for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. A simple brine consists of salt, sugar, and water.

Side Dish Suggestions

Garlic Butter Pork Chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots all roast beautifully and complement the rich flavor of the pork chops. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before roasting.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. For an extra touch of flavor, try adding roasted garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes.
• Rice or Quinoa: These grains are a great way to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork chops.
• Green Beans: A simple side of sauteed or steamed green beans.

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before making the garlic butter sauce for an earthy flavor.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for extra heat.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter sauce for a richer, creamier texture.

Other Delicious Garlic Recipes

If you love garlic as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to try these other recipes:

• Garlic Butter Mushroom Chicken: Tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory garlic butter mushroom sauce.
• Garlic Beef Pasta: A quick and easy pasta dish with flavorful garlic beef.
• Honey Garlic Chicken: A sweet and savory chicken recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes: A one-pan meal with chicken, potatoes, and a delicious garlic parmesan sauce.
• Honey Garlic Sausage Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A sweet and savory combination with sausage and roasted sweet potatoes.
• Garlic Parmesan Pork: Another amazing pork recipe that is sure to impress!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Pork Chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, but they are best reheated in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra butter or olive oil. This will help them retain their moisture and flavor.

That’s A Wrap!

These Garlic Butter Pork Chops are truly a winner in my book – easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking, my friend!