Name: Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops - Pork Chop Recipes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Pork chops have a way of making the dinner table feel just a bit more inviting. When you pan sear them in a skillet with butter and garlic, something magical happens. The edges crisp up, the inside stays juicy, and the whole kitchen smells like a place you want to stay in. I like to think of this as one of those meals you make when you want comfort without fuss. We’re talking a golden crust, a rich garlic butter sauce, and tender meat that feels like it took hours—when it didn’t. This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for pork chop dinner ideas that don’t involve complicated marinades or endless oven time. It works for keto pork chop recipes, quick pork chop recipes, or even if you’re in the mood for something that reminds you of a smothered pork chops recipe. If you’ve ever wondered whether pork chop suey recipe flavors can meet garlic butter elegance, this is where they shake hands. I’ve made these on busy weeknights and on slower Sunday evenings, and they fit both moods. Serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a light salad. You’ll have dinner done in under 20 minutes, and the plates will be empty in less than ten.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe
3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
4) How to Make Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
6) Making Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Simple skillet method that locks in flavor fast
Garlic butter makes pork chops tender and rich
Perfect for weeknight pork chop dinner ideas
Pairs well with a variety of side dishes

2) Easy Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe

If you’ve ever sat down to a pork chop that felt more like a punishment than dinner, you know how disappointing overcooked meat can be. This garlic butter pan seared version fixes that problem fast. You get that golden, flavorful crust outside, and inside it stays juicy and tender.

Here at Lila Cooks, I like sharing recipes that work for real life, not just magazine covers. These pork chops are one of those recipes. No long marinades, no complicated sauces—just heat, butter, garlic, and good timing. That’s it.

Whether you’re making quick pork chop recipes for busy nights or testing out new keto pork chop recipes, this one checks every box. You’ll feel like you’ve done something special without hovering over the stove all night. And yes, it works just as well for smothered pork chops recipe fans as it does for anyone craving a twist on pork chop suey recipe flavors.

3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Pork Chops Choose bone-in chops about an inch thick for the best flavor and texture. Thinner chops cook faster but can dry out, so go for a thicker cut if you can.

Olive Oil A quick sear needs a high-heat oil, and olive oil works well here. It helps start that golden crust before the butter joins in for flavor.

Butter Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning. The butter melts and mingles with the garlic for a rich sauce that coats the meat.

Garlic Fresh garlic is worth it. Minced cloves cook gently in the butter, releasing flavor without burning.

Thyme Fresh thyme adds an earthy note that cuts through the richness of the butter and pork.

Salt and Pepper The basics matter. Season the pork well before it hits the pan so the flavor seeps in.

4) How to Make Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Step 1 Pat the pork chops dry. This helps them sear instead of steam. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the pork chops. Let them sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 3 Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter, garlic, and thyme. As the butter melts, tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the butter over the pork chops.

Step 4 Keep basting for 2 to 3 minutes until the chops reach your preferred doneness. Remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Let the pork rest after cooking. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat instead of spilling onto the plate.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you crowd the skillet, the meat will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.

Use a meat thermometer if you want precision. Aim for 145°F for juicy pork that’s fully cooked but still tender.

6) Making Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops Ahead of Time

You can season the pork chops ahead and keep them in the fridge for up to a day. This lets the seasoning work its way in. Sear and finish with garlic butter right before serving.

If you want the whole dish ready ahead, cook them just shy of done, cool quickly, and store. Reheat gently in the skillet with fresh butter to bring back that just-cooked taste.

7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Leftover pork chops keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for three days. To reheat, use low heat so the meat doesn’t dry out. Add a little butter or broth to the pan for moisture.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops