The best way to cook pork chops to achieve juicy, flavorful results is to start by seasoning them generously with salt and pepper along with optional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs. For stovetop cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Add butter, garlic, and fresh thyme near the end, basting the chops with the garlic butter for extra moisture and flavor. The internal temperature should reach 145°F before removing from heat, then let the chops rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Alternatively, baking pork chops is an excellent method. After seasoning, sear the chops in an oven-safe skillet for 2 minutes per side, then roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes until 145°F internal temperature, followed by a resting period. Thicker chops (1-inch or more) are better as they stay juicier. Using a meat thermometer is essential to prevent overcooking and dryness. Bone-in chops offer more flavor but boneless works too with adjusted cooking times. Both pan-searing with garlic butter basting and oven-baking after searing are among the top recommended ways to cook pork chops, yielding tender, juicy, and well-flavored results.
