Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops (Juicy & Flavor-Packed)

If you’re craving a dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly, these garlic butter pan-seared pork chops are exactly what you need. Juicy on the inside, beautifully golden on the outside, and coated in a rich garlic-butter sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple pantry ingredients.

Pan-searing pork chops is one of the best ways to achieve a crisp crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy. When paired with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, the result is a deeply flavorful dish that feels comforting, satisfying, and special — without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or cozy family meals, this recipe proves that pork chops don’t have to be dry or bland. With the right technique and a few smart tips, they can be one of the most reliable and delicious proteins in your dinner rotation.

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Why Pan-Seared Pork Chops Are a Dinner Favorite

Pork chops are affordable, widely available, and incredibly versatile. When cooked properly, they’re tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

• Quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy nights
• High-heat searing locks in moisture
• Garlic butter sauce adds richness and aroma
• Minimal ingredients deliver maximum flavor
• One-pan recipe means easy cleanup

This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence.

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Choosing the Right Pork Chops

For the juiciest results, choose bone-in pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick. Bone-in chops cook more evenly and retain moisture better than thinner, boneless cuts.

Look for pork chops with a bit of marbling — that fat equals flavor. Thicker chops also give you more room for error, making them harder to overcook.

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Ingredients

• Bone-in pork chops
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh garlic cloves, smashed or minced
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
3. Add pork chops to the pan and sear without moving for 4–5 minutes until a golden crust forms.
4. Flip pork chops and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan.
6. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter over the pork chops repeatedly for 1–2 minutes.
7. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
8. Remove pork chops from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes.
9. Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the chops before serving.

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The Secret to Juicy Pork Chops

The biggest mistake people make with pork chops is overcooking them. Pork is best when cooked to 145°F, then rested. Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite stays moist and tender.

Basting with butter during the final minutes adds flavor while gently finishing the cooking process.

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Garlic Butter Sauce: Simple but Powerful

The garlic butter sauce is the heart of this recipe. As the butter melts, it combines with the pork drippings, garlic, and herbs to create a rich, aromatic sauce that coats the meat beautifully.

Adding garlic toward the end prevents burning and keeps the flavor sweet and mellow rather than bitter.

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Flavor Variations

• Spicy Garlic Butter Pork Chops: Add red pepper flakes
• Honey Garlic Pork Chops: Stir in a teaspoon of honey
• Lemon Herb Pork Chops: Finish with fresh lemon juice
• Creamy Garlic Pork Chops: Add a splash of cream to the pan

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Best Side Dishes

These pork chops pair beautifully with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic green beans
• Buttered rice or orzo
• Fresh garden salad

The garlic butter sauce doubles as an instant topping for sides.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or butter
• Avoid microwaving to preserve juiciness

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Why This Recipe Works Every Time

This recipe relies on classic cooking techniques rather than shortcuts. High heat for searing, moderate heat for finishing, and constant basting create layers of flavor while protecting the pork from drying out.

It’s simple, reliable, and consistently delicious.

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Final Thoughts

These garlic butter pan-seared pork chops are juicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying — everything a comforting dinner should be. With a golden crust, tender interior, and rich garlic butter finish, this recipe turns everyday pork chops into something truly special.

Once you master this method, it’ll become your go-to pork chop recipe for cozy dinners and impressive meals alike.