Juicy pork chop with mashed potatoes, sauce, and garnish on a black plate for a savory meal.

Golden seared with a garlicky pan sauce

Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Name: Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 pork chops
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick); 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

20 minEasy

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

20 min

Servings

4 pork chops

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

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Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Golden seared with a garlicky pan sauce

Thick-cut pork chops seared to golden perfection and basted with garlic butter and fresh herbs. Juicy every time.

Prep Time

15m

Cook Time

20m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

Main Course Gluten-Free Low-Carb Keto

Sarah Chen

September 4, 2021(Updated April 13, 2026)

Pork chops deserve better than their reputation as dry, bland protein. Thick-cut bone-in chops, seared properly and basted in garlic butter, are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

The trick is simple: do not overcook them. Modern pork is safe to eat at 145°F with a slight blush of pink in the center. That is where the magic happens.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, smashed
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

PrecisionUtility

Test Kitchen Pick

Thermometer

Helpful Tool

Why a thermometer helps here

This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.

The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.

Makes doneness more repeatable
Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein

If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.

Shop thermometer options for this recipe

Instructions

1
Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2
Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Add pork chops and sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip.
4
Add butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan. Once butter foams, tilt the pan and spoon the butter over the chops repeatedly for 3-4 minutes.
5
Remove chops when internal temperature reaches 140°F. Rest 5 minutes (temperature will carry to 145°F). Spoon pan juices over before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation

Substitutions

Bone-in pork chopsBoneless pork chops

Reduce cook time by 2-3 minutes. Watch the temperature closely.

Fresh thymeFresh rosemary

Rosemary gives a more robust, piney flavor.

ButterGhee

Ghee has a higher smoke point and a nuttier flavor.

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

Use chops at least 1 inch thick — thin chops overcook too quickly.
Do not move the chops during the first sear. Let the crust develop.
Pull at 140°F — carryover cooking brings them to a safe 145°F.
Brine the chops in salt water for 1 hour for even juicier results.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave to prevent drying.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 pork chop) · 4 servings

Calories380

LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein34g

Carbohydrates0g

Fat26g

Fiber0g

Sugar0g

Sodium540mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bone-in or boneless better?: Bone-in chops are juicier and more flavorful. Boneless cook faster but dry out more easily.
What side dishes pair well?: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, apple sauce, or a simple green salad.
Can I finish these in the oven?: Yes, sear on the stovetop then transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven for 5-8 minutes for very thick chops.

Explore More

More Main Course Gluten-Free Recipes Low-Carb Recipes Keto Recipes Stovetop Recipes

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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Instructions

1
Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2
Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Add pork chops and sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip.
4
Add butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan. Once butter foams, tilt the pan and spoon the butter over the chops repeatedly for 3-4 minutes.
5
Remove chops when internal temperature reaches 140°F. Rest 5 minutes (temperature will carry to 145°F). Spoon pan juices over before serving.

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

Use chops at least 1 inch thick — thin chops overcook too quickly.
Do not move the chops during the first sear. Let the crust develop.
Pull at 140°F — carryover cooking brings them to a safe 145°F.
Brine the chops in salt water for 1 hour for even juicier results.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave to prevent drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bone-in or boneless better?

Bone-in chops are juicier and more flavorful. Boneless cook faster but dry out more easily.

What side dishes pair well?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, apple sauce, or a simple green salad.

Can I finish these in the oven?

Yes, sear on the stovetop then transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven for 5-8 minutes for very thick chops.

Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Pork Chops