Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Herb Butter
Juicy pan-seared pork chops finished with a fragrant herb butter that adds richness and depth to this classic dish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes pairs about 6 oz each 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.
Ingredients
- 4, about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp, finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp, finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1, smashed garlic clove
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear without moving for 4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Step 4: Flip the pork chops and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 smashed garlic clove to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter and herbs over the chops repeatedly for 3-4 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with 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 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with 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 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 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made for my husband's birthday, he was amazed. The recipe is foolproof and elegant.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Easy and delicious. The pork chops were juicy and the herb butter was a game-changer.
- ★★★★★
Perfectly seared and the herb butter was divine. Will make this again this week.