Garlic Lemon Herb Pork Chops is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if your laundry’s still on the floor and your inbox has 98 unread emails. These pork chops are fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to pull off, but somehow still taste like you dropped $22 at a Mediterranean bistro. The lemony brightness, the garlic-forward herb blend, and that oven-broiled finish? Chef’s kiss.💋
And let’s not sleep on the texture. This isn’t your average dry pork situation—we’re talking juicy, tender, seared-to-perfection chops that soak up all that garlicky citrus marinade and practically beg to be plated with fluffy jasmine rice and crisped asparagus. The parsley garnish and lemon wedges take it from solid to stunning, and the macros? Absolutely dialed. Just over 500 calories and packing 53g of protein. It’s a lean-lifted dream come true.
This one feels light and fancy without actually requiring any culinary sorcery. It’s meal prep you’ll actually be excited to eat by Thursday, and I don’t say that lightly. So if you’re craving something clean, green, and mean on the protein front—get yourself some pork, grab a lemon or two, and let those herbs do the heavy lifting. Trust me: this is peak adulting, and it tastes damn good.
Garlic Lemon Herb Porkchops
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 2 lbs boneless pork loin chops
- 1 cluster garlic minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 large lemon juiced
For the Asparagus:
- 1 lb asparagus
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp olive oil
For Serving:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 2 large lemons cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley chopped
Instructions
Prep the Pork Chops:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pork chops and minced garlic.2 lbs boneless pork loin chops, 1 cluster garlic
- Mix paprika, black pepper, salt, rosemary, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl.1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the pork chops, turning to coat.
- Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the pork, then let rest for 10-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.1 large lemon
Cook the Rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water until clear.1 cup jasmine rice
- Cook using your preferred method (I love my rice cooker!) with butter added for flavor.1 tbsp salted butter
Roast the Asparagus:
- Preheat oven to broil (high).
- Arrange asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.1 lb asparagus, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tbsp olive oil
Broil the Pork Chops:
- Lightly grease a separate baking sheet and arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single layer.
- Broil on high for 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove from the oven and let the pork rest.
Finish the Asparagus & Serve:
- Broil asparagus for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Garnish pork chops with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, 2 large lemons
- Divide rice, pork chops, and asparagus into meal prep containers.
Nutrition
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❤️ Why You’ll Love These Garlic Lemon Herb Porkchops
These Garlic Lemon Herb Porkchops are zesty, savory, and shockingly simple. They strike that perfect flavor balance between earthy dried herbs, rich garlic, and bright lemon acidity. It’s like an herb garden and a lemon tree had a baby, and that baby hits its protein goals.
Even better? The macros are lean and clean—just 528 calories with a whopping 53g of protein per serving. Perfect for a fat-loss phase or anyone trying to stay under 600 calories while still eating real food that actually tastes good.
Pair it with buttery jasmine rice and roasted asparagus for a no-nonsense plate that checks every box: high protein, high fiber, easy to prep, and easy to reheat. Add a lemon wedge and some fresh parsley to feel like a gourmet chef with zero added effort.
🌿 Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
This meal is crazy adaptable:
- Swap the pork – Try boneless chicken thighs or turkey cutlets instead.
- Change up the rice – Cauliflower rice for lower carbs, or wild rice for a nutty twist.
- No fresh herbs? – Stick to dried seasonings and skip the garnish.
- Use garlic paste – If you’re in a pinch, garlic paste or pre-minced garlic will work.
- Veggie switch-up – Use broccoli, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts if asparagus isn’t your thing.
🔥 Expert Tips for Perfect Porkchops
Want juicy, flavorful porkchops that don’t dry out? Here’s how to level up your prep:
- Marinate briefly – Letting the pork sit in lemon juice and seasonings for even 15 minutes helps infuse flavor.
- Use the broiler – The high heat caramelizes the exterior while keeping the interior tender.
- Let it rest – After cooking, give your pork a few minutes to rest so the juices redistribute.
- Butter your rice – That small pat of butter in the rice makes the whole meal feel richer.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
- Storage: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Skip it. Lemon and herb pork is better fresh. The acidity can change the texture when thawed.
- Reheating: Microwave with a splash of water or fresh lemon juice to keep things juicy.
- Serving tip: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini for an extra creamy touch.
🌿 Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra lemon wedges
- A light drizzle of olive oil
- Shaved Parmesan or feta crumbles
- Lemon zest
❓ FAQs
Can I grill these porkchops instead of broiling?
Totally! Grilling adds a beautiful charred flavor. Just watch them closely and aim for an internal temp of 145°F.
What if I don’t have all the herbs?
Use what you have—rosemary and thyme are most important, but oregano or Italian seasoning can fill in nicely.
Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Yes! It’s a great prep-ahead option. The pork can marinate overnight, and the full meal keeps well in the fridge.
Do I need to trim the asparagus?
Definitely trim the woody ends—they’re tough and chewy. Just snap one spear near the base and cut the rest to match.
Is this a good cutting meal?
Absolutely. Under 600 calories, low fat, high protein, and loaded with fiber from the veggies. It’s a lean machine.
🥩 More High-Protein Pork Recipes You’ll Love
- Honey Garlic Pork – Sweet, salty, sticky, and insanely macro-friendly.
- Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops – Crispy and golden with a cheesy crunch.
- French Onion Smothered Pork Chops – Deep flavor, melty cheese, and weeknight magic.
- Rosemary Garlic Porkchops – Herb-forward and deeply savory.
- Sweet & Spicy Porkchops – Bold flavors with a sweet heat kick.
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Want to know how this recipe fits into the bigger picture of sustainable meal prep?
Check out my full meal prep strategy here