Introduction
Garlic butter baked pork chops are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can produce an incredibly satisfying meal. This is one of those recipes I rely on when I want something hearty and flavorful without standing over the stove for long periods. Baking the pork chops allows them to cook evenly, while the garlic butter infuses every bite with rich, savory flavor. I have tested this recipe several times to get the balance just right, ensuring the pork stays juicy while developing a beautifully aromatic sauce. The oven does most of the work, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. With minimal prep and dependable results, these pork chops are comforting, flavorful, and easy enough to become a regular part of your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple, reliable, and packed with flavor. The pork chops remain tender and juicy, the garlic butter sauce is rich without being overpowering, and everything comes together in one dish. It pairs well with many sides and requires very little hands-on time.
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Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops That Are Juicy, Savory, and Effortless
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy and tender pork chops baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned to perfection for an easy and flavorful oven-baked dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 700 g)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and parsley.
- Arrange pork chops in the baking dish and brush generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes until pork is cooked through and lightly golden.
- Baste pork chops once more with pan juices.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for best results (internal temperature 63°C / 145°F).
- Boneless pork chops can be used but may cook faster.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Pork Chops
Bone-in or boneless pork chops both work well. Thicker cuts are ideal, as they stay juicy and cook evenly in the oven.
Unsalted Butter
Butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and helping carry the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Garlic
Garlic provides bold, aromatic flavor and defines the character of this recipe.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps sear the pork chops lightly before baking and prevents sticking.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the pork and balances the richness of the butter.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and depth without overwhelming the dish.
Paprika
Paprika adds warmth and subtle color to the pork chops.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning brings mild herbal notes that complement the garlic butter beautifully.
Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds freshness and a clean finish just before serving.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic. Pour the garlic butter evenly over the pork chops in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on thickness, until the pork chops are cooked through and tender. Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the pan juices over the pork chops and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, and resting time is 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at low temperature or in the microwave, adding a spoonful of pan juices to keep them moist.
Variations and Customizations
Garlic butter baked pork chops are easy to adapt. For extra richness, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pan before baking. You can also include sliced mushrooms or onions to cook alongside the pork chops for a complete one-pan meal.
If you prefer a slightly tangy finish, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. For a spicier version, include red pepper flakes or cayenne in the seasoning mix. Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can replace Italian seasoning for a more aromatic profile.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use thick-cut pork chops for juicier results.
Let pork rest after baking to retain moisture.
Do not overbake, as pork dries quickly.
Spoon garlic butter sauce over chops before serving.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but reduce baking time slightly to avoid drying them out.
How do I know when pork chops are done?
They should reach an internal temperature of 63°C and rest before serving.
Can I bake these without searing first?
Yes, but searing adds extra flavor and color.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad pair well.
Can I add vegetables to the pan?
Yes, mushrooms, green beans, or potatoes work well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
How do I keep pork chops juicy?
Use thick cuts and avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze cooked pork chops?
Yes, freeze for up to two months in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Garlic butter baked pork chops are a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers juicy meat and rich, savory sauce with minimal effort. Easy to customize and reliable every time, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed family meals when you want comfort without complication.
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