Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Classic Herb Butter

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

Juicy pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a rich herb butter sauce that elevates every bite. This american-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (about 6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the pork chops. Sear for 4 minutes on one side without moving until a deep golden crust forms.
  3. Step 3: Flip the pork chops and reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the chops continuously and cook for another 4 minutes or until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Stir 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp lemon juice into the butter and garlic mixture left in the pan, then drizzle this herb butter over the rested pork chops before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Classic Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Classic 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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Classic 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Classic 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Classic 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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