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Four perfectly seared bone-in pork chops in a black cast iron skillet topped with melting garlic butter, minced garlic cloves, and fresh green parsley and chives garnish
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Garlic butter pan seared pork chops

Learn how to make restaurant-quality garlic butter pan seared pork chops at home in under 20 minutes. This complete guide includes step-by-step instructions, pro cooking techniques, flavor variations, and expert tips for achieving perfectly seared pork chops with a crispy golden crust and juicy tender interior, finished with an aromatic garlic butter sauce
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Contemporary
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 bone-in pork chops 1 to 1.5 inches thick
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4-6 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil
  • ½ fresh lemon optional

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
  2. Pat pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Allow chops to rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
  3. Step 2: Heat Your Skillet
  4. Place a heavy-bottomed cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. The pan should be genuinely hot—a drop of water should immediately bead up and evaporate.
  5. Step 3: Sear First Side
  6. Add just enough high-heat oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil shimmers, gently place pork chops on the surface. Do not move them. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
  7. Step 4: Sear Second Side
  8. Flip the pork chops and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until it achieves a matching golden-brown color.
  9. Step 5: Create Garlic Butter Sauce
  10. Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons butter along with 4-6 minced garlic cloves and optional fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage) directly to the pan. Allow butter to melt and foam.
  11. Step 6: Baste the Pork Chops
  12. Using a spoon, continuously baste the pork chops with the aromatic garlic butter sauce, spooning it over the tops and sides for 2-3 minutes.
  13. Step 7: Check Internal Temperature
  14. Using an instant-read thermometer, check the internal temperature. Target 140-145°F for slightly pink, or 150°F for fully cooked pork.
  15. Step 8: Rest and Serve
  16. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer pork chops to a serving plate. Pour the pan sauce over the top. Allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  17. Step 9: Garnish and Plate
  18. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and chives over each pork chop. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.