Garlic Butter Baked Chops

Garlic butter baked pork chops in a square cast iron pan with melted butter and chives — Garlic Butter Baked Chops – golden pork chops with crispy edges, sizzling in cast iron with a drizzle of garlic herb butter and fresh chives.

Garlic Butter Baked Chops are the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a treat—but with almost no extra effort. These juicy, golden pork chops are seasoned with smoky spices, seared for extra flavor, and finished in the oven with a melt-in-your-mouth garlic herb butter. Whether you’re cooking for family or need a meal prep win, this one-pan dish delivers big taste with simple steps.

What makes this recipe shine is the garlicky butter that melts over the chops as they bake, infusing every bite with richness and a touch of fresh lemon. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad and call it dinner.

Historically, pork chops have been a staple in American kitchens since the early 1900s when home ovens became popular. Over the years, creative cooks turned this humble cut into comforting classics—and today’s version brings that tradition into the modern kitchen with elevated flavor and minimal cleanup.

Garlic Butter Baked Chops: easy, impressive, and always satisfying.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

2. Season the pork chops:
Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Rub the spice mix evenly on both sides of each pork chop.

3. Sear the chops:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear pork chops for 2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.

4. Make garlic herb butter:
In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix until well blended.

5. Bake to perfection:
Place seared pork chops in the prepared baking dish. Dollop about ½ tablespoon of the garlic herb butter on top of each chop. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. (Don’t overbake—juicy is the goal!)

6. Rest and serve:
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after baking. Spoon any melted butter from the pan over the chops before serving.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Choose Bone-In for Juicier Results: Bone-in pork chops stay moist during baking and offer more flavor than boneless cuts.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Garlic Herb Butter Is Key: This compound butter melts over the pork, creating a built-in sauce that’s rich and vibrant with minimal effort.

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