Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops – Sear, Sizzle, and Serve

These Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops are pan-seared to golden perfection, then baked in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce. A quick, flavorful dinner that's perfect for any night of the week!

Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops – Sear, Sizzle, and Serve

Growing up, pork chops were a regular feature at our dinner table. My mom loved making them because they were easy, inexpensive, and could stretch into a hearty meal with just a few pantry staples. Whether it was a busy school night or a lazy Sunday, she always found a way to turn simple ingredients into something that felt special. This recipe for Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops is my modern twist on her classic—quick, light, and packed with bold, fresh flavor.

What makes this dish a go-to for me now is how weeknight-friendly it is. In just 30 minutes, you can sear thick, juicy pork chops to golden perfection, then bake them briefly in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The lemon keeps things bright and refreshing, while the butter and garlic bring that cozy, comforting flavor we all crave. It’s a time-saving pork chop recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste—perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and protein-packed without the fuss.

I served these lemon butter pork chops alongside my Zesty Avocado-Romaine Power Salad with Lime Yogurt Dressing, and it was the perfect light yet flavorful dinner. The cool, creamy salad complements the warm, zesty pork beautifully, creating a balanced plate that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you're cooking for family or planning a low-effort dinner for guests, this meal delivers fresh, vibrant flavor in every bite.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Meat & Seafood

• Boneless pork chops (about 1" thick)

Produce

• Romaine lettuce (2 heads)
• Avocado
• Persian cucumbers
• Mini sweet peppers
• Carrots (shredded or whole)
• Garlic
• Fresh cilantro
• Lemons

Deli & Dairy

• Feta cheese (crumbled)
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Unsalted butter

Pantry & Spices

• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• All-purpose flour

Nuts & Seeds

• Sliced almonds

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No worries—this recipe is flexible and easy to adapt. Here are some simple substitution ideas to keep things stress-free and still packed with flavor:

• Pork Chops:  Try bone-in pork chops (just increase cook time slightly) or chicken breasts/thighs for a leaner alternative.

• Fresh lemon juice: Try bottled lemon juice in a pinch

• Unsalted butter: salted butter works fine—just reduce added salt slightly.

Variations

Want to change things up? These fun and flavorful twists on the original recipe keep things exciting while staying true to the easy, fresh spirit of the dish:

• Garlic Herb Pork Chops – Add chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to the lemon butter sauce for an herby flavor boost.

• Spicy Kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the lemon butter sauce or add a pinch of cayenne to the flour dredge.

• Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops – Mix a little grated parmesan into the flour before dredging for a crisp, savory crust.

• Mediterranean-Style Salad – Add kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to the salad for extra Mediterranean flair.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

Get the most out of your cooking experience with these handy tips and notes:

• Tenderizing Tip – A few light taps with a meat mallet help the pork chops cook more evenly and stay juicy. Just don’t pound them thin!

• Golden Sear – Make sure your skillet is fully heated before adding the pork. A hot pan ensures a beautiful golden crust and seals in flavor.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Sear in batches if needed so each pork chop gets proper browning. Overcrowding lowers the heat and can cause steaming instead.

• Check the Temp – Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked pork. Aim for 150–155°F before resting—it will rise a few degrees out of the oven.

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💬 Let’s Chat!

Did you grow up with pork chops on the weeknight dinner table too? I'd love to hear your take! Whether you followed this recipe to the letter or gave it your own creative spin, I’m all ears. What sides did you serve it with? Any fun twists you tried on the lemon butter sauce?

If you made these Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops, don’t forget to tag me over on Instagram! 📸
@SliceofSouthern – I love seeing what you're cooking up in your kitchen.  😍

Drop a comment below or shoot me a DM—I always love chatting food with you!

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Labor Day Bash: Butter Burgers

Yum

It's time to celebrate the American Labor movement and all the workers that have strengthened our country!  Labor Day Weekend is the time to have a great big bash with lots of food and fun.

It also is the unofficial end of summer, but we won't dwell on that.  I'm still dreaming of summer and all the fresh bounty that is produces such as this Quick and Easy Strawberry Lemonade and this Farmers Market Bounty Summer Vegetable Soup with Chicken.

So let's talk about a main dish for your bash.  Let's talk about BUTTER BURGERS.  Yes, I said "BUTTER" burgers!  You've never tried one?  Well let me tell you that if you want a juicy, moist burger you have to try a butter burger.  It makes sense really...if you want juicy, and not dry meat, you add a fat.  In this case, butter!  I have to give credit for the idea to Paula Deen as she was the first person I saw doing this.  Now when you google it, you'll notice there are more and more versions of the butter burger out there.

BUTTER BURGERS

Today we are making both beef and turkey burgers with the secret ingredient being "butter".  MGG loves turkey burgers and I gravitate toward beef so why not make both at your next gathering.

They are simple to assemble by seasoning your meat, forming a patty and then placing a tablespoon pat of butter in the middle of the patty and surround it with the meat, so it's hidden.  That's my technique and it works wonderfully.  The butter warms and melts as the burgers cook, then it distributes throughout the patty and when you bite in to it....OH!  Boy is that a moist, juicy burger!

Top the with lettuce, tomato, and some good mustard, and don't forget the pickle and fries on the side!  The perfect meal to celebrate the holiday.  All American burgers made better with butter!

So try something new and indulge in a moist and juicy Butter Burger this Labor Day Weekend!

Enjoy!





Butter Burgers 

serves 6

1 lb 10% ground sirloin
1 lb 7% ground turkey (white and dark meats)
4 tsp burger seasoning (I use this or this)
6 Tbls of unsalted butter, divided into 6 tablespoon portions
6 hamburger buns
For serving:  lettuce, tomato, mustard

Preheat the grill to medium.  Grease the grill grate by brushing it with oil.
In separate bowls add the beef and turkey meat.  Add 2 tsp. of burger seasoning to each meat and lightly rake through the meat to distribute.  Form each meat into 3 patties about 1-inch thick. Place a tablespoon in the center of each patty and mold the meat around it so it is hidden in the center.  Place on a baking wax paper covered tray.

Place the burgers on the grill, cover and cook, turning once, until the burgers reach the temperature you like.  (About 10-12 minutes for medium, more for well done)  Toward the end of the cooking place the split buns on the grill to toast.  Remove from the grill to a platter for serving.
Assemble the burgers on the buns and top with lettuce, tomato, and mustard.  

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