Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture all over both sides of each pork chop.

Step 3

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove pork chops to a plate.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the top of each chop.

Step 6

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F. Spoon more sauce over the chops halfway through baking.

Step 7

Remove the pork chops from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any remaining pan sauce over the top.