Lemon Butter Pork Chops

Introduction

Lemon Butter Pork Chops are a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that brings a restaurant-quality meal to your home kitchen. Juicy, tender pork chops are seared to perfection and finished in a luscious lemon-butter sauce that’s bright, tangy, and rich all at once. With minimal ingredients, this recipe transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something special. The combination of buttery richness and zesty lemon creates a balanced, irresistible flavor that pairs beautifully with almost any side.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy yet feels gourmet. The pork chops remain juicy and tender while the lemon butter sauce adds a burst of freshness and richness. It’s one of those recipes where you get maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The aroma of butter and lemon while cooking is utterly irresistible.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it elevates the humble pork chop into a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s satisfying and elegant. The bright lemon perfectly cuts through the richness of the butter, enhancing the natural flavor of the pork. It’s versatile, quick to make, and perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 360 per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / European-inspired
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear pork chops 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chops and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest; simmer 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Return pork chops to skillet and spoon sauce over them.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Season the Pork Chops

Pat pork chops dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a flavorful crust when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Broth and Lemon

Pour in chicken broth, then add lemon juice and lemon zest. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Return Pork Chops

Return seared pork chops to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them, coating evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the pork chops and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Add a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook pork chops; they can dry out quickly.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice will be less bright.
• Let the pork chops rest 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
• You can add a splash of cream to the sauce for extra richness.

Variations

• Garlic Herb Lemon Pork Chops: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
• Creamy Lemon Butter Pork Chops: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to make the sauce creamy.
• Pan-Seared with Capers: Add 1 tablespoon capers to the sauce for a tangy punch.
• Grilled Version: Grill pork chops and pour the lemon butter sauce over before serving.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate cooked pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked pork chops with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
A1: Yes, just increase cooking time slightly to ensure they reach 145°F internally.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the pork chops in advance, but sear and make the sauce fresh for the best results.

Q3: Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
A3: Fresh lemon juice is preferred for bright flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Q4: How do I keep the pork chops juicy?
A4: Sear over medium-high heat, do not overcook, and let rest after cooking.

Q5: Can I make this in the oven?
A5: Yes, sear pork chops in a skillet first, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, finishing with the sauce.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Pork Chops are a simple yet elegant dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy, tender pork and a bright, buttery lemon sauce makes this meal both comforting and sophisticated. Quick to prepare, visually appealing, and incredibly delicious, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your home kitchen.