Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Zucchini | Easy Fried Pork Chops Recipe (2024)

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Katerina

4.96 from 25 votes

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Topped with a creamy garlic butter sauce, these Fried Pork Chops with Garlic Butter and Zucchini are a tender and delicious low-carb dinner recipe. These easy pork chops are going to become a family favorite weeknight meal!

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Zucchini | Easy Fried Pork Chops Recipe (2)

A Quick and Easy Pork Chops Dinner

Everyone loves fried food, and these garlic butter pork chops are a fail-proof healthy dinner idea. They cook super quickly and come out incredibly juicy! Paired with seasoned zucchini slices, these pork chops have it all. And the easy garlic butter sauce pushes this dinner over the edge of flavor perfection. You’ll have it ready to go in less than 30 minutes, too!

Also, this pork chops recipe is low in carbs and friendly with the Keto crowd. ?

If you want to avoid fried food, but still craving pork chops and veggies, try my Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner.

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Zucchini | Easy Fried Pork Chops Recipe (3)

Recipe Ingredients

This recipe uses minimal ingredients with maximum flavor. It’s a great dish for busy families who are trying to keep fresh home cooked food in their diets.

For the Pork Chops & Zucchini

  • Pork Chops
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Paprika: You can use either sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
  • Butter
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Zucchini:Pork chops and zucchini are a match made in heaven!

For the Garlic Herb Butter

Optional to use, but it’s deeelicious!

  • Butter
  • Garlic Powder
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Oregano
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Zucchini | Easy Fried Pork Chops Recipe (4)

How to Make Pan Fried Pork Chops

  • Season Pork Chops: Season your pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Make Small Cuts: Cut a few slits in the fat surrounding the pork chops. This will keep the chops from curling up while frying.
  • Heat Butter & Oil: Heat butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook Pork Chops: Add the pork chops to the hot oil and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Pork chops are cooked through when internal temperature reaches 140˚F. Please use an Instant Read Thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooked, dry pork is a curse. ?
  • Prepare Garlic Butter: Combine butter, garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, and dried oregano; mash with a fork until thoroughly incorporated.
  • Remove Pork Chops: Remove your pork chops from the skillet; keep covered.
  • Heat Remaining Oil: Set skillet over medium-high heat and add the rest of your vegetable oil.
  • Cook Zucchini: Add zucchini slices to the hot oil; season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender.
  • Remove From Skillet:Remove your zucchini from the skillet and transfer pork chops and zucchini to a serving plate.
  • Assemble: Add a dollop of garlic butter to each pork chop, serve and enjoy!
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Zucchini | Easy Fried Pork Chops Recipe (5)

Tips for the Best Fried Pork Chops

  • Use an Instant Read Thermometer: When cooking your pork chops, check their internal temperature with an instant read thermometer for the best results. When the thickest area of meat reaches 140°F, the pork chops are ready!
  • Use Bone-in Pork Chops: I love using bone-in pork chops for this recipe. Not only are they cheaper than boneless chops, but the fat and bone marrow actually intensify the flavor and the juiciness of the pork chops. It’s a win-win situation.
  • Make Small Slits in the Pork Chops: Before you fry your pork chops, be sure to cut a few small slits in the fat surrounding them. This will help them keep their shape while they cook, and not curl up, so they look better and are easier to work with.
  • Avoid Using Cold Pork Chops: If you take your pork chops out of the fridge and let them sit for a bit before you fry them, they’ll cook more evenly. But if you’re in a rush, don’t worry about it. They’ll still end up tender and juicy!
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Zucchini | Easy Fried Pork Chops Recipe (6)

Serving Suggestions

This fried pork chops recipe can be a meal on its own since it includes zucchini, but if I want something extra on the side I usually go for a cauliflower mash or roasted potatoes. You could also serve a light salad with this pork recipe, like this tabbouleh salad or this easy fruit salad!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • To save your leftovers for later, you’ll need to keep them in the fridge. Either store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • To reheat them, place your pork chops in a glass pan with water in it – this will keep them from drying out. Heat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until hot and tender.

More Pork Chops Recipes

  • Smothered Pork Chops
  • Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
  • Caprese Pork Chops

ENJOY!

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Zucchini | Easy Fried Pork Chops Recipe (7)

Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Zucchini

Katerina | Diethood

Made with a creamy garlic butter sauce, theseFried Pork Chops with Zucchiniare a tender and delicious dinner recipe.

4.96 from 25 votes

Rate this Recipe!

Servings : 4

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops & Zucchini

  • 4 bone-in pork chops, up to 1/2-inch thick
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 small zucchini, sliced into half moons

For the Garlic Butter

  • 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • ½ tablespoon garlic powder
  • ½ tablespoon dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  • Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cut a few slits in the fat surrounding the pork chops. This will help with keeping the chops from curling up while frying.

  • Heat butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the hot oil and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Pork chops are cooked through when internal temperature reaches 145˚F. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results.

    Also, cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops; they should be up to 1/2-inch thick.

  • In the meantime, prepare the garlic butter by combining butter, garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, and dried oregano; mash with a fork until thoroughly incorporated.

  • Remove pork chops from skillet; keep covered.

  • Set skillet over medium-high heat and add remaining oil. Add zucchini slices to the hot oil; season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Remove from skillet.

  • Transfer pork chops and zucchini to a serving plate. Add a dollop of garlic butter to each pork chop and serve!

Notes

    • Use an Instant Read Thermometer: When cooking pork chops, check their internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer for the best results. When the thickest area of the meat reaches 145°F, the pork chops are ready.
    • Use Bone-in Pork Chops: I love using bone-in pork chops for this recipe. The fat and bone marrow intensifies the flavor and the juiciness of the pork chops.
    • Make Small Slits in the Pork Chops: Before you fry your pork chops, be sure to cut a few small slits in the fat surrounding them. This will help them keep their shape while they cook and not curl up, so they look better and are easier to work with.
    • Avoid Using Cold Pork Chops: If you take your pork chops out of the fridge and let them sit for a bit before you fry them, they’ll cook more evenly.
    • NET CARBS: 3 g

Nutrition

Calories: 501 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3 g | Protein: 36 g | Fat: 38 g | Saturated Fat: 17 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 162 mg | Sodium: 235 mg | Potassium: 785 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 912 IU | Vitamin C: 11 mg | Calcium: 68 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best pork chops, fried pork chops, fried pork chops recipe, garlic butter pork chops, garlic pork chops, how to make pork chops, pan fried pork chops

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Categories:

  • Dinner Recipes
  • One Pot Meals
  • Pork Recipes
  • Quick Dinner Ideas
  • Recipes
Garlic Butter Pork Chops with Zucchini | Easy Fried Pork Chops Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should you fry pork chops in butter or oil? ›

I use both! At the same time! The butter helps achieve that golden brown color and adds more flavor, but you need the oil, too, because it has a higher smoke point and keeps the butter from burning. How long do you cook pork chops in a frying pan?

Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops? ›

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

How do you fry pork chops and keep them tender? ›

How to Make Perfect Stovetop Pork Chops
  1. Tenderize the meat with a fork. ...
  2. Brine with brown sugar. ...
  3. Cook in cast iron. ...
  4. Flip frequently and finish with butter. ...
  5. Rest right in the pan: Your temperature destination for pork chops is 145°F — the sweet spot of juiciness and a rosy interior.

What is the secret to making tender pork chops? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

Should I cover my pork chops when I fry them? ›

Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add meat. Don't add any liquid and don't cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until internal temperature registers 145°F on an instant-read thermometer (for ¾- to 1-inch-thick chops, plan on 6 to 10 minutes), turning meat occasionally.

Should you rinse pork chops before frying? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

Why are my pan fried pork chops tough? ›

Undercooked pork carries the risk of food-borne illness, and overcooked pork can be dried-out, tough, and chewy. Cook your chop until it's around 135 degrees, and then transfer it to a cutting board—the residual heat will bring it to the USDA's recommended 145 degrees.

Why are my pork chops tough when I fry? ›

Under or overcooking your pork chops.

And, if you've ever encountered a dried-out, tough, chewy pork chop, that's a telltale sign of overcooking.

How long does it take to pan fry pork chops? ›

When you're frying thin pork chops over medium-high to high heat, 2 to 3 minutes per side is just right for browning and cooking them all the way through. For thicker chops, brown on both sides then check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer. It will take 5 to 6 minutes per side to completely cook them.

How do you tenderize pork before frying? ›

To tenderize pork before cooking it, try breaking up the tough muscle by hitting it with a meat mallet evenly across the surface of the meat. Then, if you want your pork to be extra tender, you can marinate it in a tenderizing marinade made with acids, like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine.

Can pork chops be a little pink? ›

If fresh pork has reached 145°F (62.8 °C) throughout, even though it may still be pink in the center, it should be safe. The pink color can be due to the cooking method or added ingredients.

How to make pork extremely tender? ›

Using a brine or a marinade will make your life so much easier. If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade.

Do pork chops get more tender the longer you cook them? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

What cooking method is best for pork chops? ›

Bake your pork chops at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. If you want to add an extra step, sear your pork chops in a pan first and transfer to a baking sheet to cook for about 6-8 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

What is the best oil to use when frying pork chops? ›

I always use canola oil for frying. This recipe is for two pork chops. It is best not to crowd them in the pan even if you have to start again with another batch. The biggest secret is the temperature and to keep turning the chops over.

Do I put oil in the pan when cooking pork chops? ›

Heat a heavy skillet like cast iron or stainless steel over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or neutral oil to the hot skillet. Add the pork chops to the pan. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the pork chops to the pan, making sure there is an inch between each, so they sear and don't steam from overcrowding.

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