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Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Herbs

These pan-seared pork chops feature a golden crust and tender, juicy interior, finished with a savory garlic-herb pan sauce made in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 pork chops bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Shallow plate or bowl for seasoning
  • Tongs or meat fork
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Take pork chops out of the refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season all sides by pressing into a mixture of 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
  3. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until a drop of water sizzles immediately.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Place pork chops in the pan and sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes.
  5. Flip pork chops and sear the second side for another 4 to 5 minutes, until both sides are golden brown.
  6. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; cook until it reaches 145°F. If needed, cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium for 2 to 3 minutes to finish cooking.
  7. Transfer pork chops to a plate, tent with foil, and leave skillet over heat. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Pour in 1/2 cup broth and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, scraping up fond from the bottom of the pan.
  9. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons butter until melted into a silky sauce.
  10. Place pork chops on plates and spoon the garlic herb sauce over the top before serving immediately.

Notes

Do not skip resting the pork after searing to lock in juices and ensure a tender, moist interior.