15-Minute Garlic Butter Bliss: Oven-Baked Pork Chops
Craving a dinner that's bursting with flavor yet light on prep time? Look no further than Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops! This recipe is a testament to the magic of simplicity, transforming a few basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in under 20 minutes. Imagine perfectly cooked pork chops – tender, juicy, and bathed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce. Each bite is a symphony of savory goodness, infused with the fragrant melody of thyme.
Ingredients:
- The Star of the Show - The Pork Chops:
- 2 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick) - Bone-in pork chops add extra flavor and help keep the meat moist during cooking. Choose heritage breed pork chops for an extra boost of flavor and quality, if available.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- The Luscious Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (grass-fed recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Searing Perfection:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat for Perfection: Begin by preheating your oven to 380°F (190°C). This ensures the pork chops cook evenly and achieve tender, juicy perfection.
- Seasoning is Key: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Generously season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Don't skimp on this step, as seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the meat.
- Crafting the Flavorful Base: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Aim for a light golden brown color for a nutty flavor. For a richer sauce, you can use slightly more butter, but remember, a little goes a long way. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs. Let this fragrant mixture sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse the butter.
- Searing for Flavor: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cast iron is ideal for searing meat as it retains heat exceptionally well. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned pork chops. Sear them for about 4 minutes per side, or until a beautiful golden brown crust develops on the surface.
- The Power of the Oven: Carefully pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over the seared pork chops, ensuring they are evenly coated. Transfer the entire skillet, including the pork chops and sauce, to your preheated oven. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145-150°F (63-66°C) as measured by a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. This ensures the pork chops are cooked through but still juicy.
- A Burst of Flavor: Once cooked through, remove the pan from the oven. Spoon any remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top of the pork chops. This final drizzle adds extra flavor and moisture to each bite.
- Serve and Savor: Serve your Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops immediately, accompanied by your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pair beautifully with this flavorful dish. Enjoy the perfect harmony of juicy pork chops and a luxuriously flavored garlic butter sauce – a culinary masterpiece in under 20 minutes!
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