Crispy Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops pan-fried to golden perfection, topped with a fragrant garlic herb butter sauce. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 1 inch thick bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chops and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 145°F), then remove chops to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and butter is melted.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, then spoon the garlic herb butter over the rested pork chops and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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