Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Potatoes (Sheet Pan Dinner)

If you need a dinner that tastes like a weekend meal but cooks like a weeknight one, these Easy Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Potatoes are it. Juicy, golden-seared pork chops meet crispy baby potatoes, all wrapped in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Best of all, everything cooks in one skillet. First the chops get a beautiful sear, then the potatoes crisp up in those same flavorful drippings, and finally it all comes together under a blanket of garlic butter.
So whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a cozy Sunday supper, this garlic butter pork chops dinner delivers big flavor with very little fuss — and only one pan to wash.
Why This Recipe Works
- One pan: The chops and potatoes share a single skillet, so cleanup is easy.
- Juicy every time: A quick sear plus a short finish in garlic butter keeps the pork tender, not dry.
- Crispy potatoes: A brief parboil first means the potatoes crisp up fast in the skillet.
- Big flavor, simple ingredients: Garlic, butter, and a few pantry spices do all the work.
- Ready in 35 minutes: Fast enough for weeknights, hearty enough for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Parboil the potatoes. First, place the halved baby potatoes in a pot of salted water and boil for 8 minutes, until just tender. Drain well and pat dry.
- Season the chops. Meanwhile, pat the pork chops dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chops. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Crisp the potatoes. Then, in the same skillet, place the potatoes cut-side down and cook for 5–6 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Make the garlic butter. Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Finish together. Return the chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter over the top. Cook for 2–3 minutes more, until the pork reaches 145°F.
- Rest and serve. Finally, rest the chops for 3 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if you like.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Pork Chops
- Pat everything dry: Dry chops sear better, and dry potatoes crisp better.
- Don’t overcook: Pork is perfect at 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest — it stays juicy that way.
- Use a large skillet: Crowding steams instead of sears, so give the chops and potatoes room.
- Watch the butter: Garlic butter goes from golden to burnt fast, so keep the heat at medium for the sauce.
- Let the chops rest at room temperature: 10 minutes out of the fridge helps them cook evenly.
Easy Recipe Variations
Air Fryer
Toss the seasoned potatoes with 1 tablespoon of oil and air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy. Meanwhile, season the chops, then add them to the basket for the last 10–12 minutes, flipping once. Finally, toss everything in melted garlic butter before serving.
Bone-In Chops
Use bone-in chops instead and add 2–3 minutes per side — they stay extra juicy.
Spicy Cajun
Swap the Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy twist.
Herb Butter
Stir fresh rosemary or thyme into the garlic butter for a fragrant, herby version.
Lemon Garlic
Squeeze fresh lemon over the finished dish for a bright finish that cuts through the rich butter.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Potatoes
The potatoes already cover the starchy side, so keep the rest of the plate fresh and simple.
- Green Beans: Crisp-tender and quick — a classic partner for pork.
- Simple Side Salad: Something fresh and light balances the rich garlic butter.
- Roasted Broccoli: Roasts while the chops cook and adds a little char.
- Applesauce: Sweet, cool, and traditional with pork chops.
- Crusty Bread: For soaking up every last bit of garlic butter.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, or in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Avoid high heat, which dries out the pork.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. The potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.
Make-ahead: The potatoes can be parboiled a day ahead and refrigerated; sear the chops fresh and finish as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use bone-in or boneless pork chops?
Either works. Boneless cooks a little faster, while bone-in stays extra juicy — just add 2–3 minutes per side.
How do I know the pork chops are done?
Use an instant-read thermometer: 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest is perfect. The pork may still be slightly pink inside, and that’s exactly right.
Why parboil the potatoes first?
Parboiling guarantees tender insides, so the skillet time is purely about getting them golden and crispy.
Can I use russet potatoes instead?
Yes — peel and dice them into 1-inch pieces, then parboil the same way.
How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
Don’t overcook them, let them rest before slicing, and spoon that garlic butter over the top — it keeps every bite juicy.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Final Thoughts
These Easy Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Potatoes are proof that a one-pan dinner can still feel special. Juicy pork, crispy potatoes, and a garlic butter sauce worth mopping up with bread.
It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in the rotation — impressive enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesday.
So the next time you want a hearty dinner without the fuss, make these garlic butter pork chops. Your skillet — and your family — will thank you.
Recipe Notes
- A cast iron skillet gives the best sear on both the chops and the potatoes.
- For extra-crispy potatoes, let them sit undisturbed cut-side down — don’t stir them too soon.
- Leftover pork slices are wonderful cold over a salad the next day.
These recipes from Creative Kitchen Bites offer more easy pork and garlic butter dinners.
- Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe (Easy One-Pan): Another easy one-pan pork chop dinner with garlic and Parmesan.
- Air Fryer Crispy Pork Chops Easy Weeknight Meal: A crispy weeknight pork chop option made in the air fryer.



