My Favorite Weeknight Pork Chop Recipe
Let’s talk about an easy pork chop dinner. This is my go-to 30 minute pork chop recipe. It feels fancy but is so simple. I still laugh at that. My grandson calls it “restaurant chops.”
The secret is the rosemary garlic butter sauce. You just mix butter, garlic, and fresh rosemary. Pour it over the chops in the pan. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes everything taste rich and cozy. This is how to cook pork chops without any worry.
Why a Hot Pan Matters
Always start with a very hot pan. This gives you a beautiful golden crust. It locks in the juices. No one likes a dry chop! I use my trusty cast iron skillet for this. It goes from the stove to the oven perfectly.
That sizzle when the chops hit the oil is the best sound. It means dinner is close. For a different kind of roast, a garlic herb crown roast of pork is a showstopper. But for tonight? We keep it quick and simple.
The Magic of Fresh Herbs
Please use fresh rosemary if you can. The dried stuff just isn’t the same. Fresh herbs make the whole kitchen smell like a garden. *Fun fact: rosemary is a symbol of remembrance.* I always think of my own grandma when I smell it.
This little step matters. It turns plain meat into something special. It shows your family you care. Do you have a favorite herb you love to cook with? Mine will always be rosemary.
Getting the Bake Just Right
For these baked pork chops, the oven finishes the job. Ten to twelve minutes is usually enough. But use a thermometer if you have one. It takes the guesswork out. You want 145 degrees in the thickest part.
This matters because perfect pork is juicy and tender. No one should be afraid to cook it! These bone-in pork chops recipe is foolproof. For a special Sunday, a cranberry orange glazed pork loin roast is lovely. But for a quick family dinner, these chops can’t be beat.
Your Own Kitchen Stories
I learned this recipe from my neighbor, Margie. She brought over a plate one busy Tuesday. I’ve been making these garlic rosemary pork chops ever since. Food shared with love is the best kind.
What’s a recipe a friend or family member gave you? The ones written on cards are my treasures. For holidays, I might make a festive pork loin with spiced fruit glaze. But most nights, simple is best. What is your favorite quick family dinner to make?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Center cut, bone-in pork chops | 2 to 4 | Approximately 1 inch thick |
| Kosher salt | 3/4 teaspoon | More or less, depending upon preference |
| Black pepper | 3/4 teaspoon | More or less, depending upon preference |
| Unsalted butter | 5 tablespoons | Melted |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 tablespoon | Minced |
| Fresh garlic | 1 tablespoon | Minced |
| Olive oil | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 375 degrees. Now, pat your bone-in pork chops recipe dry with a paper towel. Season them well with salt and pepper. This simple start makes the best easy pork chop dinner.
Step 2: Mix your magic sauce. Stir melted butter, fresh rosemary, and garlic together. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This rosemary garlic butter sauce is the secret. Set it aside for now. (Use fresh herbs if you can—they make all the difference!)
Step 3: Heat oil in a heavy skillet. A cast iron skillet pork chops method works perfectly. Sear the chops for 3-4 minutes per side. You want a lovely golden crust. This is the key to juicy baked pork chops.
Step 4: Carefully spoon your butter sauce over the chops. Then, move the whole skillet to the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. This makes a 30 minute pork chop recipe truly possible. How to cook pork chops without drying them out? Always use a meat thermometer!
Step 5: Pull them out when they reach 145°F. Let them rest for five minutes. This keeps all the tasty juices inside. Now your garlic rosemary pork chops are done! What’s your favorite quick family dinner side? Share below! For a grander meal, try a garlic herb crown roast of pork for the holidays.
Creative Twists
Lemon Zest Brightness: Add lemon zest to the rosemary garlic butter. It makes the sauce sing! Perfect for a sunny weeknight pork chop recipe.
Apple Cider Glaze: Simmer apple cider until it’s syrupy. Drizzle it over your cooked chops. It’s a sweet, cozy twist. Like my festive pork loin with spiced fruit glaze but quicker.
Crunchy Herb Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with parmesan and herbs. Sprinkle on before baking. You get a delicious, crispy topping. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
These garlic rosemary pork chops love simple friends. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes. The rosemary garlic butter sauce is perfect for drizzling over them. Or, try crisp roasted carrots. They cook right alongside your baked pork chops in the oven. For a special touch, a cranberry orange glazed pork loin roast has similar festive flavors. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops Perfect
Let’s talk about storing these delicious baked pork chops. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will stay good for three to four days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Wrap each chop tightly in plastic wrap first.
I remember my first time making a double batch. I was so proud of my planning! But I put the hot chops right in the fridge. The next day, they were a bit soggy. Now I always let them cool on the counter. Batch cooking this easy pork chop dinner saves so much time on busy nights.
To reheat, use your oven or a skillet. This keeps them from getting tough. The microwave can make them rubbery. Gently warm them in a 350-degree oven until hot. This matters because good food deserves to be enjoyed twice. A little care keeps your quick family dinner tasting wonderful. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Pork Chop Problems
Even the best cooks face a few hiccups. Do your pork chops turn out tough? This often means they were cooked too long. Use a simple meat thermometer. Pull them at 145 degrees F for perfect juiciness. I once served chops that could have soled a shoe! I learned my lesson about checking temperature.
Is your rosemary garlic butter sauce burning? The skillet may be too hot. Use medium-high heat, not full blast. If the garlic looks dark, take the pan off the heat fast. Another issue is uneven cooking. For bone-in pork chops recipe success, let the meat sit out for 15 minutes first. This helps it cook evenly from edge to center.
Fixing these small issues builds your cooking confidence. You learn to trust your instincts. It also makes the flavor so much better. A tender chop with a golden crust is a real triumph. Which of these problems have you run into before? For a special holiday meal, a garlic herb crown roast of pork uses similar herby flavors.
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What to serve with garlic pork chops?
These chops love simple, cozy sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are my favorite. They soak up the delicious rosemary garlic butter sauce so well. A crisp green salad adds a fresh crunch. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots are also wonderful. This creates a balanced and satisfying plate for your easy pork chop dinner.
What does pork chop pair well with?
Pork chops pair well with both sweet and savory flavors. Think of applesauce or baked apples. Roasted potatoes or a warm rice pilaf are great too. The key is choosing sides that complement, not compete. A tangy side like sauerkraut can be lovely. This 30 minute pork chop recipe gives you time to make a nice side.
What’s a good healthy side for pork chops?
For a healthy side, try roasted vegetables. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus roast quickly. Toss them in a little oil and salt. Roast them on a pan while your baked pork chops cook. A big spinach salad with a light vinaigrette is another fresh choice. It adds color and nutrients to your quick family dinner.
What to have with garlic pork chops?
You can’t go wrong with rustic sides. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce. A simple pasta with olive oil is easy and filling. For a festive touch, try a cranberry-glazed holiday pork roast another time. With these garlic rosemary pork chops, keep your sides straightforward and flavorful.
What are good side dishes with pork chops?
Good side dishes add different textures. Try scalloped potatoes for creaminess. Coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast. Sweet corn, either on the cob or creamed, is a classic. *Fun fact: Pork and apples are a classic pair because pigs were often fed orchard leftovers.* For a special Sunday, a pernil pork holiday feast is a delicious project.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these cast iron skillet pork chops. They truly are a reliable weeknight pork chop recipe. Cooking should be a joy, not a stress. The smell of rosemary and garlic filling your kitchen is pure happiness. It reminds me of cooking for my own family, years ago.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventures. Tell me how it went in your home. Your stories are what make sharing recipes so special. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below. I read every single one.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Rosemary Garlic Pork Chop Dinner
Description
Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Stir together melted butter, rosemary and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium high heat.
- Add pork chops and cook until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side (use tongs to flip).
- Using an oven mitt, remove skillet from heat. Spoon or carefully pour butter mixture over pork chops as evenly as possible to coat.
- Using an oven mitt, carefully transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until pork has an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (for medium) in the thickest part of the meat using an instant read thermometer.
Notes
- Let pork chops rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier results.