Juicy garlic butter skillet pork chops are one of those dream weeknight dinners every home cook needs in their rotation. Quick to prepare, rich in flavor, and requiring only simple pantry staples, this recipe proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to achieve a hearty, satisfying meal.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to cook pork chops in a skillet to lock in their natural juices, master the perfect garlic butter blend, and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to dryness. From searing tips to pan-basting secrets, we’ll cover everything step-by-step—plus answers to your top questions at the end.
A Comforting Dinner Memory
There are certain meals that linger in memory not just for their flavor, but for the comfort they bring. For me, garlic butter skillet pork chops will always conjure up the image of my family gathered around the dinner table on busy evenings. The sizzling sound of chops hitting the hot skillet, followed by the irresistible scent of garlic melting into golden butter, always signaled that dinner was nearly ready. This became one of our most reliable weeknight meals—quick to cook, yet impressive enough to feel like a treat.
Whenever I wanted to make “juicy pork chops” that didn’t require firing up the oven or waiting too long, this garlic butter skillet pork chops recipe was the solution. It struck the perfect balance: hearty protein, rich flavor, and a cooking process simple enough to handle while multitasking homework help or last-minute emails. To this day, every time I smell that garlicky aroma filling the kitchen, I’m reminded of how food brings not only nourishment but connection.
Many people think pork chops are tricky to cook—too often they end up dry, chewy, or lacking flavor. But here’s the secret: pork chops in the skillet thrive because high-heat searing quickly locks in their juices, while butter and aromatics amplify natural flavors. Unlike baking, which takes longer and can sometimes dry meat out, skillet cooking gives you total control over temperature and timing.
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Garlic Butter Skillet Pork Chops Recipe (Quick & Juicy)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy garlic butter skillet pork chops seared to golden perfection and basted in a savory garlic herb butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy weeknight dinner delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper and optional paprika or onion powder.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add olive oil.
3. Place chops in the skillet without crowding and sear for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
4. Flip chops, add butter, minced garlic and herbs to the pan.
5. Tilt pan and spoon melted garlic butter over chops repeatedly, then reduce heat to medium and cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F (about 4–6 more minutes).
6. Transfer chops to a plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes before serving, spooning any remaining butter sauce over the meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 30
When you sear pork in a hot pan, the surface caramelizes beautifully, creating that golden-brown crust known as the Maillard reaction. Add garlic and butter into the mix, and you get a silky, savory sauce that bastes the chops while they finish cooking. A cast iron skillet in particular holds and distributes heat evenly, ensuring the seared pork cooks evenly edge to edge.
In short, skillet-cooked pork chops take a classic protein and elevate it into something quick, juicy, and absolutely satisfying. Once you’ve mastered this stove-top searing method, you may never go back to oven-baked chops again.
Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Pork Chops
When it comes to creating the best juicy garlic butter pork chops, ingredient quality makes all the difference. Choosing the right cut, balancing flavors with fresh garlic and herbs, and using rich butter ensures every bite is flavorful and tender. Below is a breakdown of the essential ingredients for this garlic butter skillet pork chops recipe:
| Ingredient | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pork Chops (bone-in or boneless, 1-inch thick) | Thick-cut chops stay juicy when pan roasted, while bone-in chops add extra flavor. Boneless chops cook slightly faster but must be watched closely to prevent drying. |
| Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper | Enhances natural flavors and builds a savory crust during searing. |
| Garlic (preferably fresh cloves, minced) | Fresh garlic delivers bold, aromatic flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic creates that irresistible skillet aroma. |
| Unsalted Butter | Creates a rich basting sauce and balances savory pork with creamy richness. Use unsalted to control seasoning. |
| Olive Oil (or neutral oil with high smoke point) | Helps achieve a golden crust without burning the butter too soon. |
| Fresh Herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley) | Infuse the garlic butter with fragrance and depth. Rosemary or thyme are classic pairings with pork. |
| Optional: Paprika or Onion Powder | Adds subtle smokiness and depth of flavor. |
Must-Have Kitchen Tools
- Cast Iron Skillet – Retains and distributes high heat evenly for the perfect golden crust.
- Meat Thermometer – Ensures juiciness by cooking pork to exactly 145°F.
- Sturdy Tongs – Flip without piercing meat so juices don’t escape.
- Cutting Board & Knife – Essential for prepping garlic, herbs, and trimming the chops.
- Small Mixing Bowl – Ideal for combining garlic, butter, and herbs before adding to the skillet.
Step-by-Step Garlic Butter Skillet Pork Chops Recipe Method
- Prepare the Pork Chops – Pat dry, season generously with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Preheat the Skillet – Heat skillet over medium-high, drizzle olive oil.
- Sear the Pork Chops – Cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes until golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip and Add Garlic Butter – Add butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Tilt pan, spoon butter repeatedly over chops.
- Finish Cooking to Temperature – Reduce to medium heat, cook until 145°F internal temperature.
- Rest Before Serving – Remove chops, tent with foil, and rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Juicy Pan Roasted Pork Chops
- Don’t Overcook – Stop at 145°F for tenderness.
- Thickness Matters – Choose 1-inch or thicker cuts.
- Rest Is Essential – Always allow 5 minutes for juices to redistribute.
- Avoid Crowding – Cook in batches if needed for a crisp sear.
- Butter Basting – Spooning garlic butter over chops boosts flavor and moisture.
- Try Bone-In – More flavor and juiciness than boneless.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Yes! Boneless cook faster, but watch temps closely. Bone-in offers more flavor and juiciness.
2. How do I stop pork chops from drying out?
Cook to exactly 145°F and rest for 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
3. Can I make garlic butter skillet pork chops ahead of time?
Best fresh, but leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently in skillet with butter.
4. What sides go well with skillet pork chops?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, green salads, or sautéed greens pair beautifully.
5. How long should pork chops rest before serving?
About 5 minutes for maximum juiciness and tenderness.
Conclusion
This garlic butter skillet pork chops recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. With only a handful of ingredients, a trusty skillet, and a few key techniques, you can create juicy pork chops that are flavorful, tender, and quick enough for any weeknight. Let the aroma of sizzling garlic butter fill your kitchen and make these succulent pork chops your new go-to family favorite.
