20 Minute Rosemary Pork Chops (Extra Moist)

Rosemary pork chops are an easy 20 minute skillet recipe for juicy, tender chops swimming a flavorful, garlic butter pan sauce. Learn how to cook pork chops so they don’t dry out with this quick weeknight dinner!

Quick Pan Fried Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops

When you need dinner in a flash, a quick pan fry recipe is the way to get the job done. Rosemary pork chops cook in less than 20 minutes, start to finish, with a buttery garlic pan sauce to boot!

We enjoy pork as an affordable weekly dinner option, but the different cuts keeps our menu fresh. Ground pork makes a juicy, tangy pork meatloaf, while pork sausage livens up egg roll bowls.

Baked breaded pork chops are a popular favorite highlighted in my gluten free cookbook, but, although flavorful, breading pork adds a bit more prep work. I love how these skillet chops are not only effortless to prepare, but ready to serve in minutes!

First, the pork pan fries to achieve a nice golden crust, then it gently steams with garlic, wine, and rosemary to infuse in flavor. A touch of butter and lemon finishes the pan sauce to serve alongside juicy, tender chops.

Ingredient Notes

• Fresh rosemary – While dried rosemary may be substituted (1/2 teaspoon dried), for best flavor, stick with the fresh rosemary sprigs. The flavor melds into the pork and pan sauce as it cooks.
• Garlic cloves- The amount of fresh garlic is discretionary. For a more robust garlic rosemary flavor, double the amount suggested.
• White wine – Used to make the pan sauce, add flavor, and keep the pork chops juicy. Swap with chicken broth for an alternative option.
• Pork chops – Choose between boneless or bone-in pork chops. However, to keep the meat moist, make sure they are at least 1-inch thick. Since bone-in pork chops are larger, you may have to cook in batches.

Let’s Make This Together!

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

1. Begin by letting the pork sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes first. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Once the pan is hot, add the olive oil to heat.
3. Sear the pork chops on one side until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip to the other side and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Lower the heat and add the rosemary, garlic, and wine. Cover and cook until a meat thermometer registers to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. When testing the recipe, mine took about 5 minutes, but may take up to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork.
5. Remove the pork chops from the pan and loosely cover with foil. Add the butter and lemon to the drippings in the pan. Raise heat to a simmer to reduce sauce slightly while the pork rests for 5 minutes. Serve with pan sauce spooned over pork.

Keeping Skillet Pork Chops Moist

Since pork is such a lean meat, it has a tendency to dry out. When preparing skillet chops, enjoy juicy perfection by following these simple tips.

First, bring the meat to room temperature first. This helps the meat cook evenly in less time, so they do not dry out. Shoot for at least 20 minutes, but 30 minutes is ideal.

Next, sear first then cover and cook. Browning the pork in a hot skillet first, seals in the juices. However, continuing to cook at such a high temp will dry them out. Add a little liquid, cover and cook on low to gently finish cooking.

Last, take an internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Pork chop recipes may not depict accurate cooking times because they cannot account for variance in thickness and starting temperatures. Take the temperature a few minutes before cooking time ends and remove from heat once they reach 145ºF.

Optional Flavor Swaps

Garlic rosemary pork chops combine a complimentary flavors, but this recipe is easily adaptable to a variety of flavors.

Replace the lemon juice with balsamic vinegar for a more robust, tangy sauce. Alternatively, swap out the rosemary with any preferred fresh herbs, such as thyme or tarragon. To add a bit of sweetness to the sauce add a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Did you make this recipe? I love hearing from you! Leave a star rating and comment below the recipe card. It helps others when searching for recipes and I appreciate feedback from our community. You will always hear back from me! -Melissa