Honey Garlic Pork Chops: Juicy, seasoned pork chops seared to perfection and simmered in a sweet, garlicky sauce. Ready in 30 minutes!
Have you ever had one of those nights where you’re staring into the fridge, hoping dinner will magically make itself? That was me a few weeks ago. It had been a long day, and I was this close to just ordering takeout. But then I saw the lonely pack of pork chops sitting there, practically begging to be used.
I started pulling out random ingredients—honey, garlic, chicken broth—basically whatever I could grab. At first, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. Would the flavors work? Would it taste like… anything? But oh my goodness, the moment that sauce hit the pan, the kitchen smelled like heaven.
My family didn’t even wait for me to plate the food properly. They just hovered around, forks in hand, sneaking bites straight from the skillet. And let me tell you, there’s no better feeling than seeing everyone go back for seconds (and thirds). Now, this Honey Garlic Pork Chops recipe is my secret weapon for weeknights when I want something quick, easy, and downright impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe?
- Quick Fix: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Sweet and Savory Combo: The honey garlic sauce is like a flavor explosion.
- Minimal Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy dinner.
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist this one.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down why these ingredients work so well together—and how you can tweak them to suit your style.
- Pork Chops: I prefer center-cut boneless chops because they cook evenly, but bone-in works too. You just need to cook them a bit longer.
- Honey: The star of the sauce. It adds sweetness and helps create that glossy finish we all love.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must. Don’t skimp here—it’s what gives the sauce its bold flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness of the honey with a subtle tang.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce rich and prevents the chops from drying out.
- Seasonings: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper takes the pork chops from basic to wow.
How To Make Honey Garlic Pork Chops?
This recipe is as simple as it gets. Here’s how to make these mouthwatering Honey Garlic Pork Chops:
Step 1. Season the Pork Chops
First things first—mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this blend all over your pork chops. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the flavor magic begins.
Step 2. Sear the Chops
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the butter and olive oil. Once the pan is hot, place the pork chops in a single layer. Let them sizzle for about 4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—that’ll happen in the sauce.
Step 3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. That’s where the flavor is!
Step 4. Simmer and Sauce
Reduce the heat and let the pork chops simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the chops beautifully. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 145°F (63°C).
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 5. Serve It Up
Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you’re feeling fancy. Then dig in and enjoy!
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the pork juicy.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze this! Place the chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Here’s how to customize this recipe:
- Switch the Protein: Try chicken thighs, salmon, or even tofu for a twist.
- Add Veggies: Green beans, broccoli, or even mushrooms would be great cooked in the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup or brown sugar can replace the honey.
- Herb Variations: Sage or thyme work beautifully if you’re out of rosemary.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Pork Chops?
This dish is versatile, so you can pair it with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: The sauce doubles as gravy—need I say more?
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots are great options.
- Rice or Quinoa: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pork chops.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time slightly to make sure they’re fully cooked.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
Use a meat thermometer—it should read 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked chops.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the sauce ingredients a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before adding it to the skillet.
So, what do you think? Ready to give these Honey Garlic Pork Chops a try? If you make them, let me know how it went! Did you tweak the recipe or stick to the classic? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let’s chat.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 3/4 tsp salt divided
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 center-cut boneless pork chops about 2 lbs.
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
Instructions
- Prepare the seasonings: Combine 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture on both sides of the pork chops.
- Sear the chops: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the pork chops to the skillet. Cook each side for approximately 4 minutes until they turn golden.
- Create the sauce: In a bowl mix together 1 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of honey 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and minced garlic.
- Simmer: Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes or until it slightly thickens. Alternatively, you can simmer until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches around 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Spoon the sauce over the pork chops. If desired garnish, with thyme or parsley.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
