If you’ve ever ended up with dry, tough pork chops from the oven, I promise this recipe will change everything. These Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops have been one of the most popular recipes on Primavera Kitchen for years and for good reason. The secret is a two-step method I’ve tested many times: sear the chops in a hot skillet until golden, then pour a simple sauce of melted butter, fresh garlic, and thyme right over the top before finishing them in the oven. That garlic butter sauce is what sets this apart from any other baked pork chops recipe. It keeps the meat incredibly juicy and adds rich, savory flavor in every bite. Ready in just 23 minutes, it’s the only baked pork chops recipe you’ll ever need.
The Baked Pork Chops Recipe with 4,000 Five-Star Ratings!
I’ve been making baked pork chops for busy weeknight dinners for years, and I can honestly say this is one of my most-tested and most-loved recipes on Primavera Kitchen with over 500 comments and 4,000 five-star ratings from readers who keep coming back to make it again and again.
Ready in under 20 minutes with just 5 minutes of prep, it’s one of those easy dinner recipes for busy families that I always have in my back pocket.
If you love pork chops as much as I do, my Air Fryer Pork Chops and Grilled Pork Chops are just as easy and delicious. And if you want to keep exploring, my Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin is a reader favourite too.
I love serving these with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Parmesan Green Beans, a classic combination that never disappoints.
Key Ingredients
Pork Chops – After making this recipe so many times, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that the cut really matters. I always look for chops that are at least 1 to 1½ inches thick, because thinner chops cook too fast and dry out quickly, especially during the sear. An even thickness also means the tips and center cook at the same rate, which makes a big difference. You can use boneless pork chops (loin chops or pork loin), bone-in pork chops, or even thick-cut pork chops. All three work beautifully with this garlic butter sauce.
Butter – I’ve made this recipe with different butters over the years, and I can honestly say that quality matters here. A good quality butter creates a richer, creamier sauce that coats the pork chops so much better. I prefer unsalted so I can control the salt level myself, but the key is using butter you’d actually enjoy on its own. It’s the base of the whole sauce.
Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must for me in this recipe. I’ve tried jarred garlic before, but the problem is that it often comes as a paste, which burns much faster in the hot skillet and can turn bitter before the butter even has a chance to come together. Freshly minced garlic behaves so differently because it melts into the butter gradually. It’s worth the extra minute of prep, I promise.
Fresh Thyme – I really do recommend using fresh thyme over dried if you can. Fresh thyme has a softer, more delicate flavor that blends beautifully into the butter sauce without overpowering it. I’ve tested this with dried thyme too, and while it works in a pinch, fresh makes this dish feel much more special.
How To Make Oven Baked Pork Chops
I always pat the pork chops dry before seasoning. It’s a small step that makes a big difference for getting a good sear. I keep it simple with just salt and pepper because the garlic butter sauce is already so flavorful on its own.
Prepare the butter sauce by melting four tablespoons of butter in the microwave or stove. Once it’s melted, add the chopped thyme and garlic. Stir well, and set aside.
I sear the chops for about 1-2 minutes per side over medium-high heat until golden. I’ve learned not to move them around, just let them sit so that crust can develop. This sear-first step is what locks in the moisture before they go into the oven, and after making this recipe dozens of times, I’m convinced it’s what keeps them from drying out.
Once the chops are seared, I pour the garlic butter sauce right over them before the skillet goes into the oven at 425°F. This is the step that makes these pork chops taste like a restaurant meal.
This is what I always love to see! I recommend using an instant read thermometer to check for 145°F — that’s the sweet spot for juicy, perfectly cooked pork. Before serving, I always spoon that garlic butter sauce from the skillet back over the top. It takes 30 seconds and adds so much flavor.
At 400°F, boneless pork chops should bake for about 7 minutes per ½ inch of thickness, while bone-in chops need around 8 minutes per ½ inch.
So, for chops that are 1½ inches thick:
Bone-in: Bake for about 24 minutes. Again, I recommend you use a meat thermometer to determine doneness and not rely on the general cook time.
Boneless: Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes.
Best Tips to Make Baked Pork Chops
Sear first, always. I’ve found the sear-and-bake method is the single best way to keep pork chops from drying out. It builds a golden crust and locks in the juices before the oven does its job.
Let them rest. I always rest my pork chops for 3 minutes after pulling them from the oven. It makes a real difference because the juices redistribute and every bite stays moist.
No lid needed. You don’t need to cover the skillet in the oven for this recipe. The high heat and butter sauce do the work.
Seasoning flexibility. Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme are my go-to, but feel free to add paprika, garlic powder, or fresh rosemary if you want to switch things up.
Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops Recipe – Juicy and Tender!
Video
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized pork chops
- Salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, thyme, and garlic. Set aside.
- In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add the pork chops. Sear until golden, about 2 minutes per side.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the pork chops. Place the skillet in the oven, and cook until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145ºF, about 10-14 minutes. The time depends on the thickness of your pork chops.*
- Remove from the oven. Using a spoon, pour some of the butter sauce left in the skillet onto the pork chops before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Easy recipe with great flavor! Love that I don’t have to marinate them & just a few ingredients. Could easily add in rosemary, marjoram, etc. but plenty of flavor as is.
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! 😊 I love how simple yet flavorful it is, and you’re right—adding herbs like rosemary or marjoram would be a great twist. Hope you make it again soon! 😊🍽️
Excellent!!👍
Happy you liked it!
I’ve used this recipe dozens of times. It is so hard to mess up your pork chops with this recipe. I highly recommend it.
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear it’s become a go-to for you. So glad you’re enjoying the pork chops! 😊🍽️
Loved this and so did my picky husband 😍
Amazing! So happy to hear that 😉
These were wonderful!!!
Happy you liked it 😉
I tried this recipe, and wow…it is so good. Highly recommend 10/10.
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it—10/10 means the world! 😊🍽️
Should a lid be used on the cast iron skillet when baking the pork chops so they won’t dry out?
It’s not necessary to use a lid for this recipe.
I’m in my early 70’s and never made such tender and flavored pork chops. I never respond to reviews but must tell you that your the Bomb and right on with this. Thank You. Never thought I would get tender, tender pork chops.
This absolutely made my day — thank you! 😊 I’m so happy the pork chops turned out tender and full of flavor for you. Truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. You’re the best! 💛
This recipe was the BEST pork chop recipe ever!!!! Followed your directions and it did not dissapoint!!!! Thank you!
Yay!! 🎉 I’m so happy you loved the pork chops! Thanks so much for trying the recipe and for your kind words—it means a lot. 💕
Thank you for sharing this super easy and delicious recipe. My parents lived it. ✌🏼❤️. I was trying to post a pic but I don’t think I can.
I’m so glad you and your parents loved it! ✨ That makes me so happy to hear. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback! ❤️
The chops were so juicy and tender. Followed your recipe with one exception. I sliced sautéed two Vidalia onions before I started the chops. I then added them on top of chops before putting everything in the oven. Thanks for such a great recipe.
That sounds amazing! 😍 I love that you added sautéed Vidalia onions — such a great touch. So happy you enjoyed the recipe! 💛
This is a great simply recipe
I mean garlic, butter and thyme can’t go wrong.
You’re absolutely right. Happy you liked it 😉
Made this recipe tonight for dinner and it was definitely delicious. Very easy to prepare. Love the fact that there were not many ingredients. I will definitely fix again and pass the recipe along.
I appreciate how easy the recipe was explained, step by step.
Thank you so much! 😊 I’m so glad you enjoyed it and found it easy to follow. I love simple recipes with just a few ingredients, and it means a lot that you’ll make it again and share it. 💛
I made this recipe again last night for dinner and wanted to say how much I love it! This is my favorite way to prepare bone in pork chops, so simple yet delicious!
I’m so happy to hear that!!