You know those nights when you need dinner on the table fast, but you still want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why garlic butter pork chops and green beans have become my go-to weeknight lifesaver. In just 25 minutes, you get juicy, golden-brown pork chops swimming in garlicky butter alongside crisp-tender green beans – it’s like comfort food and veggies had the most delicious lovechild. My kids actually cheer when they smell this cooking (and that’s saying something!). I first stumbled onto this combo when I was desperate one Tuesday night, and now it’s our family’s most-requested skillet recipe. The magic? That sizzling garlic butter that coats everything in its path – trust me, you’ll want to lick the pan clean.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Green Beans
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This dish is like the superhero of weeknight dinners – it swoops in to save the day every single time. Here’s why it’s become my kitchen MVP:
- Lightning fast: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes – perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” panic moments
- Flavor bomb: That garlic butter sauce? It’s basically liquid gold that makes everything taste incredible
- One-pan wonder: Less dishes means more time for important things (like second helpings!)
- Kid-approved: Even my picky eater gobbles up those buttery green beans
- Perfect balance: You get your protein and veggies in one delicious, satisfying package
Honestly, once you try this combo, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Green Beans
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, nothing fancy here! Just simple, fresh stuff that comes together like magic. I’ve learned over the years that quality matters, especially with so few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, broken down into two happy little groups:
For the Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick) – trust me, bone-in gives so much more flavor!
- 1 tsp salt – I use kosher because it sticks better
- ½ tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough to get that perfect sear
For the Garlic Butter Green Beans
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed – snap off those ends like you’re mad at them
- 3 tbsp butter – real butter only, please! None of that margarine business
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – more if you’re feeling brave (I usually am)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – just enough to give a little wink of heat
See? Told you it was simple. Now go check your fridge – I bet you’ve got most of this already! The only thing I’m strict about is using fresh garlic (none of that jarred stuff) and real butter. They make all the difference in that glorious sauce.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Green Beans
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than you think. I’ve made this dish so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through every step so yours turns out perfect the first time. Just follow along and don’t be afraid to trust your instincts – cooking should be fun, not stressful!
Step 1: Season and Sear the Pork Chops
First things first – let’s get those pork chops ready for their big moment. Grab your chops and pat them dry with paper towels (this is crucial for getting that beautiful golden crust). Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper – don’t be shy here, this is your flavor foundation!
Now, heat that olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers like a mirage in the desert. Carefully add the chops – they should sizzle the second they hit the pan. This is my favorite sound in the kitchen! Cook them for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Pro tip from my juicy pork chops recipe: resist the urge to move them around – let them develop that perfect sear. When they’re done, transfer them to a plate to rest while we work on the green beans.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans in Garlic Butter
Here’s where things get really delicious. In that same skillet (don’t you dare wash it – all those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt your butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch it closely – garlic burns faster than you can say “oops!” and burnt garlic is nobody’s friend.
Now toss in those green beans, stirring to coat them in all that garlicky butter goodness. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender-crisp. You want them to still have some bite – mushy green beans are a tragedy. The beans should be bright green and just starting to get some little browned spots when they’re perfect.
Finally, return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them right into the beans. Spoon that glorious garlic butter sauce over everything – this is the money shot! Serve immediately while it’s all hot and sizzling. Trust me, your family will be at the table before you even call them!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Green Beans
Listen, I’ve made this dish enough times to know all the little tricks that take it from good to “oh my goodness, what is this magic?” Here are my hard-earned secrets for garlic butter pork chop perfection:
First off, always go for bone-in chops if you can find them. That bone adds so much flavor and helps keep the meat juicy – it’s worth the extra couple bucks. And whatever you do, don’t overcrowd your skillet! Give those chops some breathing room or they’ll steam instead of sear. I learned that the hard way with some sad, pale pork chops that still haunt my dreams.
The red pepper flakes? Totally customizable. My husband likes it spicy so I’ll sometimes sneak in an extra pinch, but for kids I might skip it altogether. And here’s the most important tip – let those pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking! I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but that waiting time lets the juices redistribute so every bite is tender and delicious. Trust me, it makes all the difference between good pork chops and “can I have your recipe?” pork chops.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Green Beans
Now for the best part – plating up this masterpiece! While these garlic butter pork chops and green beans are fantastic on their own, I love rounding out the meal with a couple simple sides. My go-to is always a heaping scoop of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that glorious garlic butter sauce – trust me, you’ll want every last drop. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
Here’s my favorite finishing touch: right before serving, I’ll shower everything with a snowy dusting of freshly grated Parmesan. It adds this nutty, savory note that plays beautifully with the garlic butter. Sometimes I’ll even throw in a squeeze of lemon over the green beans for a bright pop – the kids think I’m fancy, but really it takes zero extra effort! However you choose to serve it, just make sure there’s crusty bread on the table for mopping up all those delicious pan juices.
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no dietitian, but I do believe it’s nice to know what you’re putting into your body – especially when it tastes this good! Keep in mind these nutritional values are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Your garlic butter pork chops and green beans dish will naturally have more or less calories, protein, etc. based on things like how much butter you really use (I won’t judge if you sneak in an extra pat!) or whether you choose thick-cut or thinner pork chops.
The most important thing? This meal is packed with protein from the pork chops and loaded with nutrients from those beautiful green beans. And let’s be real – when something tastes this amazing and comes together in under 30 minutes, that’s nutrition for the soul right there!
Frequently Asked Questions
Oh, I love when you ask me questions about this recipe – it means you’re excited to try it! Here are the ones I get asked the most (usually while people are licking their plates clean):
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
You absolutely can! Just thaw them first and pat them super dry – frozen beans release more water when cooking. They won’t have quite the same crisp-tender texture as fresh, but they’ll still soak up that garlic butter beautifully in a pinch.
How do I store leftovers? (If there are any!)
Ha! I love your optimism. But seriously, pack leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently over medium heat in a skillet – the microwave makes those green beans sad and soggy. A quick splash of water helps revive the sauce!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, my lactose-intolerant friends! Swap the butter for olive oil or dairy-free butter (I like the almond oil kind). The flavor profile changes a bit, but you’ll still get delicious results. Maybe add an extra garlic clove to punch up the flavor!
What’s the best way to prevent the pork chops from drying out?
Two words: thermometer and rest! Cook to 145°F internal temp (it’ll keep cooking as it rests) and let those chops sit for 5 minutes before serving. Also, bone-in chops are naturally juicier – but even boneless will stay moist if you follow these tips.
Can I double this recipe?
Of course! Just work in batches when searing the chops so you don’t crowd the pan (steamed chops = sad chops). You might need to wipe the pan between batches if those brown bits get too dark. More garlic butter means more happiness!
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
If you loved these garlic butter pork chops and green beans (and how could you not?), you’ve got to try my honey garlic chicken with potatoes next – it’s got that same magical sweet-savory thing going on, but with crispy potatoes that’ll make you weak in the knees. Or when you’re craving something creamy and indulgent, my shrimp alfredo pasta skillet comes together almost as fast as these pork chops and feels like a fancy restaurant meal. Honestly, once you get hooked on these quick skillet dinners, there’s no going back to boring weeknight meals!
Garlic Butter Pork Chops and Green Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter over them. Serve immediately.