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Cozy Garlic Herb Pork Chops

garlic herb pork chops - featured image

These cozy garlic herb pork chops are quick, easy, and perfect for fall evenings. With a golden crust and juicy interior, they’re a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed or thinly sliced
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Take the pork chops out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Rub this mixture all over both sides of the pork chops.
  3. Smash or thinly slice the garlic cloves. Rinse and pat dry fresh thyme and rosemary if using. Chop the parsley for garnish.
  4. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Carefully lay the pork chops in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them, until deep golden brown.
  6. Flip the chops using tongs. Add the butter to the pan, letting it melt around the chops. Toss in the smashed garlic cloves and herb sprigs.
  7. Tilt the pan slightly so the butter pools at one side. Use a spoon to scoop up the melted butter and pour it over the pork chops continuously for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone. Cook until it reaches 140°F (60°C) for medium or 145°F (63°C) for medium-well.
  9. Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5-7 minutes.
  10. Optional: While the chops rest, return the skillet to low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the pan and scrape up the browned bits. Let it simmer for a minute, then pour over the rested chops.

Notes

For best results, use bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick. Let the chops rest before cooking to ensure even searing. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. The temperature will rise about 5 degrees while resting, so pull them off the heat when they’re 5 degrees below your target. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with ghee or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, garlic herb, fall dinner, easy dinner, cast iron skillet, comfort food