Are you ready to transform ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? Get ready to discover the ultimate pan-seared pork chop recipe that promises golden-brown perfection, incredible flavor, and a cooking technique so simple, you'll wonder why you haven't been making them like this all along! Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will elevate your dinner game and turn an everyday protein into a truly memorable dining experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork chops. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, indicating it is hot enough for cooking.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook in batches. Sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them, until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Flip the pork chops using tongs and reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Once the pork chops are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep them warm while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Bring the broth to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, stirring until melted and well combined with the broth. This will create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Allow them to warm in the sauce for an additional minute.
- Serve the pork chops hot, drizzled with the garlic-thyme sauce, and enjoy your delicious pan-seared pork chops!
Tips
- Pat the pork chops completely dry before seasoning - this is the secret to achieving that coveted golden-brown crust!
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the most even heat distribution and best searing results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if necessary to ensure each pork chop gets proper contact with the hot surface.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature - 145°F is the perfect doneness for juicy, safe-to-eat pork chops.
- Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary or sage instead of thyme.
- If your pork chops are thick, you can finish them in a preheated 375°F oven after initial searing to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 338kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
