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.

Rate this Recipe!

Servings : 4

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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

What's the best way to fry pork chops without drying them out? ›

In a 12-inch heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil over medium-high temperature to cook pork chops. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the pork should register 145°F for doneness.

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.

What is the secret to moist pork chops? ›

How to Keep Pork Chops from Drying Out? Brine Them! After you bring your pork chops home, time to brine! Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop.

Is it better to fry pork chops in butter or oil? ›

Butter, with its luxurious richness and distinctive nutty flavor, is a classic choice for frying pork chops, whether they are breaded or not. As the butter melts and sputters in the pan, it imparts a depth of flavor to the dish.

How do you keep breading from falling off fried pork chops? ›

Coat each side of the pork chops, applying pressure to make the batter stay on during cooking. One coat is good for a thin layer of batter. For a thicker coating, dip them in a separate bowl of a little milk with an egg mixed well, and again in the flour. Make sure oil is hot.

What is the best oil to pan fry pork chops in? ›

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.

What should I season pork chops with? ›

Pork Chop Seasoning Recipe
  1. 3 tablespoons paprika.
  2. 2 tablespoons kosher salt.
  3. 3 teaspoons pepper.
  4. 2 teaspoons brown sugar.
  5. 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
  6. 2 teaspoons onion powder.
  7. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  8. 1/2 teaspoon sage (optional)
Jul 31, 2023

Should I cover pork chops when baking? ›

We ask you to cover the pork with foil or parchment during baking. By gently cooking the chops this way, they remain juicy and become tender.

Do you fry pork chops covered or uncovered? ›

If you are using a cast iron pan and have turned off the heat, there should be enough heat if you cover the pan to finish the cooking of a thicker chop. If not, turn the heat to low and cover. The easiest way to tell when the pork chops are done is to press on them with your fingertip.

How can I tenderize pork chops quickly? ›

Place meat in a dish and cover with water. Remove meat and stir roughly 4 level Tbs of baking soda into the water. Put meat back in and soak (in refrigerator) overnight. Rinse THOROUGHLY and cook.

What should I soak my pork chops in? ›

You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help. If you are just looking to brine one (1) pork chop or tenderloin, or up to 4 at a time, a quick ratio of salt to water is 4 cups of water and 3 Tbsp of salt / for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.

How do you get the most flavor out of pork chops? ›

Tip #2: Season the chops with salt half an hour before cooking. This way, the salt has a chance to improve the flavor and texture of the meat. Pork chops are lean, so seasoning with salt before cooking is essential for making the most flavorful chops. Tip #3: Rub the chops with spices and some flour.

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.

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.

Is it better to fry pork chops fast or slow? ›

The key to flavoursome chops is cooking the fat on the outside really well over a high heat. This should be done quickly so as not to dry out the meat inside.

How do you cook pork chops so they aren't tough and dry? ›

Braising takes pan-fried pork chops one delicious step further. Braising is also a forgiving cooking method. Because the chops finish by simmering in liquids, they won't dry out as easily. Just give them a quick high-heat sear in the skillet first.

Do you have to use flour when frying pork chops? ›

simple, quick, and flavorful - Pan fried pork chops are ready in 15 minutes with insanely delicious flavor and impressive presentation. no flour or breading needed - Once you know how to fry pork chops without flour, you'll realize it's really not necessary for the perfect sear.

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