Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Roasted Garlic

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

Juicy pork chops seared to a golden crust, served with sweet roasted garlic and fresh thyme for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired keto ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) pork chops, garlic, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 6 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme; spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 pork chops (6 oz each) with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  5. Step 5: Roast garlic mixture for 20-25 minutes until soft and golden, then serve pork chops with garlic and thyme.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Roasted Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Roasted Garlic?

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 (6 oz each) pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Roasted Garlic?

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 Roasted Garlic 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 Roasted Garlic?

American keto 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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