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Cozy Garlic Butter Pork Chops: Easy Fall Dinner Recipe

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Juicy, tender pork chops seared to perfection and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs. This quick and easy fall dinner comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Take the pork chops out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the pork chops and rub in gently.
  3. Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat for about 2 minutes until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until they release easily from the pan. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side.
  5. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop. It should read 135°F (57°C).
  6. Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 4 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add sliced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic is just starting to turn golden, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  8. Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time—it allows juices to redistribute. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; pull at 135°F as carryover cooking will bring it to 145°F. Let the pan get hot enough for a good sear. Cook in batches if making more than 4 chops to avoid overcrowding. Don’t wash the pan between searing and making the sauce—the browned bits (fond) add incredible flavor. Slice garlic thinly, not minced, to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter pork chops, easy pork chop recipe, fall dinner recipe, quick weeknight dinner, cast iron skillet pork chops, juicy pork chops