Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops

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Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 15–20 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Yield: 4 pork chops

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1-inch thick is ideal)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels (this is key for a good sear!). Rub both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.

  2. The Sear: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

  3. The Butter Bath: Turn off the heat. Add the butter, minced garlic, and herbs to the skillet. Once the butter melts, spoon it generously over the pork chops.

  4. The Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

  5. Rest: Remove from the oven and let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pour the remaining garlic butter from the pan over the chops.

Notes & Pro-Tips

  • Room Temp: Take the pork chops out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before cooking. Cold meat hits a hot pan and toughens up instantly.

  • Don’t Overcook: Pork is lean. Once it hits 145°F, pull it out! It will continue to rise a few degrees while resting.

  • The Skillet: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear them in a regular pan and transfer them to a preheated baking dish.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Attribute Amount
Calories 340 kcal
Protein 32g
Fat 22g
Carbs 2g
Sodium 450mg

Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Excellent for muscle repair and satiety.

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Pork is one of the best sources of Thiamin, which is essential for energy metabolism.

  • Allicin: Found in fresh garlic, it offers anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Q&A

Q: Can I use thin-cut pork chops?

A: You can, but skip the oven! Thin chops (1/2 inch or less) will cook through entirely during the searing process. If you put them in the oven, they’ll likely turn into leather.

Q: Bone-in or boneless?

A: Bone-in usually yields more flavor and stays juicier, but boneless is easier to eat and faster to cook. Both work great with this recipe.

Q: What should I serve this with?

A: It pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to cut through the richness of the butter.

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