Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops

If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen, these Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops are an excellent choice. The pork chops are seasoned generously, coated in a rich garlic butter mixture, and baked until tender and beautifully golden around the edges.

The garlic butter adds plenty of savory flavor while helping the pork stay moist as it cooks. A touch of herbs and a little acidity at the end balance the richness, creating a simple dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked pork chops are easy enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve when you’re cooking for guests. The preparation is straightforward, and most of the cooking happens in the oven.

The key is to avoid overcooking the pork. Using thick-cut chops and checking their internal temperature toward the end of baking helps keep them juicy and tender.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, optional
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• A small pat of butter
• Lemon wedges
• A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator about 15–20 minutes before cooking. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.

Drying the surface is important because excess moisture can prevent the seasonings from adhering properly and can make it harder to develop a nicely browned exterior.

If your pork chops are particularly thick, check that they are reasonably even in thickness. This helps them cook at approximately the same rate.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet with a little olive oil or butter.

For easier cleanup, you can also line a baking dish with parchment paper or foil before lightly greasing it.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Add the melted butter to a small bowl.

Stir in the minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, black pepper, parsley, thyme, and lemon juice.

Mix everything thoroughly.

The result should be a fragrant garlic butter mixture with the herbs and seasonings evenly distributed throughout.

For an even deeper garlic flavor, allow the mixture to sit for a couple of minutes before using it.

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