Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops (20-Minutes)

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dinner that delivers big on flavor, comes together in a flash, and pleases the whole table, Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops are the answer. Juicy pork chops are enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes from stovetop to plate. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that slots easily into busy weeknights, providing both comfort and gourmet satisfaction.

Why Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops are a Weeknight Hero

This recipe shines thanks to its simplicity and bold flavors. The savory sear locks in the pork’s natural juices, while the fragrant garlic butter coats every bite with richness. The short cook time, minimal prep, and one-pan approach make it a true game changer for families or anyone with a packed schedule. Serve these chops with simple sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

The Secret to Lusciously Juicy Pork Chops

Choosing pork chops with a little marbling ensures tenderness, while patting them dry allows for a golden, flavorful sear. Searing on medium-high heat creates a crust that holds in juices. The real magic happens when a generous knob of garlic butter is spooned over the sizzling chops in the final minutes, infusing them with aroma and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Pair these chops with steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a crisp salad. Drizzle remaining garlic butter from the pan over your sides for a deliciously cohesive plate. For extra elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty pork chops. Each serving provides around 300 to 350 calories (depending on chop thickness), with healthy protein and the satisfying richness of butter—a balanced, filling entrée when paired with fresh vegetables.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

Instructions

1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add pork chops to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and almost cooked through. (Thickness of chop will affect cook time.)
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the chops with garlicky butter. Continue basting and cooking for 2–3 more minutes, ensuring chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. Transfer pork chops to a plate. Spoon additional pan sauce over the top and let rest for a couple of minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops are a perfect fit for meal prep—they reheat beautifully for lunches or busy nights. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal plan to automatically generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients across all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient quantities across all recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery aisle for faster trips
– Helps avoid duplicate purchases and missing essentials
– Streamlines your weekly meal prep and shopping

Pro tip: Combine this pork chop recipe with veggie-heavy sides or other protein dishes in your plan. Use CookifyAI’s schedule feature to see where ingredients overlap (like garlic or herbs), so your shopping is smarter and more efficient, reducing both waste and spending.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This weeknight dinner proves that gourmet flavor can be quick, simple, and ready to please—making it a must-add to any meal plan!