Description
Juicy, tender pork chops seared to golden perfection and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. This easy one-pan recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. The sticky, caramelized glaze is absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (3/4 to 1-inch thick, about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed to thin)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Pork Chops: Remove pork chops from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. Set aside near the stove so it’s ready when you need it.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot (but not smoking), carefully add the pork chops. Don’t move them! Let them sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Using tongs, flip the pork chops to the other side. Cook for another 3-4 minutes for boneless chops, or 4-5 minutes for bone-in chops, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (they’ll continue cooking to 145°F as they rest).
- Add the Glaze: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the honey garlic mixture over and around the pork chops. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the pork chops with the bubbling glaze continuously for 2-3 minutes.
- Create the Perfect Glaze: The sauce will start to thicken and caramelize beautifully. Keep basting and turning the pork chops to coat them evenly. If the glaze becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it. Cook until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the pork chops rest in the glaze for 3-5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with the remaining glaze from the pan, and garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Thickness Matters: Adjust cooking time based on pork chop thickness. Thinner chops (1/2-inch) cook faster, while thicker chops (1.5-inch) need more time.
- Don’t Overcook: Pork is safe at 145°F internal temperature. Overcooking creates dry, tough meat, so use a thermometer!
- Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thin, let it simmer longer. If too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time.
- Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or fresh ginger to the glaze for heat.
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chops have more flavor and stay juicier, but boneless cook faster and are easier to eat.
- Pan Size: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with glaze (approximately 6-8 ounces)
- Calories: 387
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 672mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 118mg