Lemon Garlic Pork Chops are juicy and full of flavor! The zesty lemon and fragrant garlic make each bite bright and delicious. A great choice for dinner that feels special!
Cooking these chops is super easy! Just marinate, grill, or pan-sear them, and enjoy the tasty aroma wafting through your kitchen. I love serving them with some veggies on the side! 🍋🐖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops provide great flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops or even chicken breasts can work. Just ensure you adjust cooking time accordingly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is crucial for that punch of flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder can substitute but use less (about 1/8 teaspoon per clove) for the same effect.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish! If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice is an okay substitute, but fresh is always best in taste.
Thyme: This herb adds warmth and earthiness. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or oregano can be excellent alternatives; just use less, as their flavors can be stronger.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Searing the Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops is about getting that delightful, golden crust! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the pork. You want that sizzle when you place them in.
- Season generously with salt and pepper before cooking for better flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; it lowers the temperature and leads to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for juicy, safe eating.
These tips will help you make amazing Lemon Garlic Pork Chops every time!
Lemon Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 slices of lemon, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In no time, you’ll have savory, juicy pork chops to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. This will add great flavor to the meat as it cooks.
2. Heat the Pan:
In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking before adding the chops.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Add the seasoned pork chops to the hot pan and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to become golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure to stir so it doesn’t burn — you want all that garlicky goodness!
5. Make the Sauce Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This brings amazing flavor to your sauce!
6. Reduce the Sauce:
Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Add Butter and Thyme:
Stir in the butter and thyme, mixing until the butter melts and combines into a rich, delicious sauce.
8. Combine and Heat:
Return the pork chops to the pan and spoon some sauce over them. Cook for an additional minute to reheat and soak up those fantastic flavors.
9. Garnish:
Garnish your chops with lemon slices and chopped fresh parsley for a lovely presentation!
10. Serve:
Serve the pork chops hot, drizzled with the lemon garlic sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy Lemon Garlic Pork Chops!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in chops are great for flavor, you can also use boneless pork chops or even pork loin. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thinner cuts may cook faster.
What if I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, but keep in mind the flavor will be milder. For extra richness, consider adding a splash of wine or a little soy sauce instead.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Cook the pork chops and sauce, then let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, adding a bit of sauce or broth to prevent drying out.
