These Lemon Butter Pork Chops are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The pork chops are seared to golden perfection, then cooked in a zesty lemon butter sauce made with garlic and chicken broth. The result is a juicy, tender pork chop with a rich, velvety finish that’s impossible to resist. This one-pan wonder is quick to prepare, and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or sautéed vegetables.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (145°F internal temperature). Remove the pork chops and set aside on a plate, covering them with foil to keep warm.

3. Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.

5. Combine: Return the pork chops and any juices back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pork chops and serve with the lemon butter sauce drizzled on top.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 815 kcal

• Fat: 38 g

• Saturated Fat: 12 g

• Cholesterol: 204 mg

• Sodium: 1761 mg

• Carbohydrates: 52 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 40 g

• Protein: 63 g

A Perfectly Seared Pork Chop

The secret to achieving the perfect pork chop lies in searing it until golden brown. The pork chops are seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, which not only enhances their natural flavor but also creates a flavorful crust when seared. The seasoning ensures that each bite of the pork chop is full of savory goodness, while the searing process locks in juices, leaving the meat tender and succulent.

The pork chops are seared in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust. Searing them for 3-4 minutes on each side ensures that the chops are cooked through (145°F internal temperature), and once removed from the skillet, they’re tented with foil to keep them warm. This step allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

The Flavorful Lemon Butter Sauce

The real magic happens when the pork chops are cooked in the zesty lemon butter sauce. After searing the pork chops, the garlic is sautéed in the same skillet, absorbing the delicious browned bits left in the pan. This garlic-infused butter creates the perfect base for the sauce.

The chicken broth (or vegetable broth) is then added, deglazing the pan and creating a flavorful liquid. The addition of lemon juice and zest adds a tangy, fresh element that cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a bright, well-balanced sauce. The sauce is simmered for a few minutes to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavors before the pork chops are returned to the skillet. The chops are spooned with the sauce, allowing them to absorb all the bright and savory flavors, making every bite a perfect combination of rich, buttery goodness and refreshing lemon zest.

Finishing Touch: Fresh Parsley

To complete this dish, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness, balancing the richness of the sauce. The parsley complements the lemon flavor beautifully, making each bite feel light and vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Butter Pork Chops pair perfectly with a variety of sides. For a comforting meal, serve the pork chops with mashed potatoes or rice, allowing the creamy sauce to be absorbed into the sides. You could also opt for sautéed vegetables or roasted vegetables for a lighter, healthier option. The bright, tangy flavors of the lemon butter sauce elevate the entire meal, making it both satisfying and refreshing.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Lemon Butter Pork Chops is approximately 815 calories. The dish is rich in flavor, with 38 grams of fat, including 12 grams of saturated fat, which contributes to the buttery richness of the sauce. It provides 63 grams of protein, making it a hearty and filling meal. The carbohydrates come in at 52 grams, largely due to the sauce, with 2 grams of fiber and 40 grams of sugar. The sodium content (1,761 mg) is relatively high due to the seasoning and broth, so it’s best to enjoy this dish in moderation.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Pork Chops are the perfect choice for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight meal. With tender, juicy pork chops coated in a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce, this dish brings together savory, zesty, and buttery flavors in every bite. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for more. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and savor the delicious combination of flavors!