Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops, bone-in (about 1-inch thick) – patted dry
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic – lightly crushed
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season all over with the kosher salt and black pepper; let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
2. Heat the neutral oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, 2–3 minutes.
3. Lay the pork chops in the skillet and sear without moving until deep golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Flip and sear the second side until browned, 2–3 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter, garlic, and fresh thyme. Tilt the pan and baste the chops with the foaming butter for 1–2 minutes.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 135–140°F, 5–10 minutes depending on thickness; the chops should feel just firm and springy.
6. Transfer the pork chops to a plate, spoon some of the thyme-garlic butter over top, and rest for 5–10 minutes to reach 145°F internally.
7. Serve warm, spooning any remaining pan butter over the chops.