One Pan Baked Pork Chops with Butter Sauce

One pan baked pork chops in a glossy garlic butter sauce bake right in the same skillet so the juices pool around the meat. The chops get a golden sear, then finish in the oven until they reach 145°F for juicy, tender results.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

pork chops

4 bone-in pork chops Use bone-in chops for best juiciness and flavor.

garlic butter sauce

4 tbsp butter Melted and spooned over the chops to create the glossy sauce.
3 garlic cloves Minced for even distribution in the sauce.
1 tbsp fresh thyme Adds an herby, savory aroma to the butter sauce.
1 tbsp lemon juice Stir in at the end for brightness in the pan sauce.

seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste Season on both sides; measure to preference.

Equipment

1 cast iron skillet

Method

Preheat and season

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.

Sear the chops

Sear the chops in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden.

Bake with garlic butter

Add butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan, spooning the melted butter over the chops.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the pork reaches 145°F.

Finish the pan sauce

Stir lemon juice into the pan sauce and spoon over the chops before serving.

Notes

For the juiciest pork chops, start checking doneness at 12 minutes and pull the skillet as soon as the internal temperature hits 145°F, then rest briefly while you spoon the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. For a lower-sodium option, use a no-salt-added seasoning blend in place of extra salt while keeping pepper.