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–+ servings
Two perfectly cooked pork chops in a skillet, glistening with butter, garlic, and herbs.

How to Make Pork Chops Like a Pro

Learn how to cook tender, juicy pork chops with a golden-brown sear and a flavorful garlic butter finish. This recipe breaks down professional techniques for home cooks.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 2 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 pork chops
Course: Dinner
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • coarse salt to season
  • freshly ground black pepper to season
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon butter divided
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme plus 1 tbsp fresh chopped thyme, stems removed
  • 6 cloves garlic minced

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Digital meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Generously season both sides of pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chops, 2 tablespoons butter, and 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme to the skillet. Cook the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the outside is golden and the internal temperature reads 145°F (or a little below) with a digital meat thermometer.
  3. Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and chopped thyme to the skillet. Use a spoon to drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the pork chops before flipping the pork chops over and spooning the garlic butter over the pork chops on the other side. Repeat for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Immediately remove pork chops from the skillet and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

This technique ensures a flavorful crust and a juicy interior. Resting the pork chops for 2 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bite.

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