Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme Butter Sauce

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

Thick pork chops seasoned and seared until golden, finished with a fragrant butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh thyme. This southern-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends teaspoons kosher salt, teaspoon black pepper, tablespoons olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick) with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Step 3: Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear without moving for 4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms on the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Flip the pork chops and reduce heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 smashed garlic cloves, and 4 fresh thyme sprigs to the pan.
  5. Step 5: Tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the melted butter, garlic, and thyme over the pork chops repeatedly for 3-4 minutes, basting until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove chops from the skillet and rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme Butter Sauce?

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 Garlic and Thyme Butter Sauce 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 Garlic and Thyme Butter Sauce?

Southern 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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