Description

A simple, gluten-free weeknight dinner featuring thick-cut pork chops seared to perfection and basted with a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes with restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients

Scale

4 pork chops (approx. 1-inch thick, bone-in center-cut preferred)
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and heat until it shimmers and just starts to smoke.
Sear chops undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, and thyme sprigs to the pan. Once butter melts and foams, tilt the pan and baste the chops continuously for 2-3 minutes.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Remove chops when they reach 145°F (63°C).
Transfer chops to a warm plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
Pour chicken broth into the hot pan, scraping up brown bits (fond). Simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
Spoon the pan sauce over the rested chops and serve.

Notes

Do not skip the resting period; it allows juices to redistribute. If using boneless chops, reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes per side. Ensure garlic is added late in the basting process to prevent burning. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check broth labels.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sau
Calories: 420
Sodium: 650
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 1
Protein: 38

Keywords: pork chops, garlic butter, gluten-free, weeknight dinner, pan-seared, easy recipe, high protein, low carb