The Easiest Honey Garlic Pork Chops
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Make these quick and easy honey garlic pork chops with me! Tender, juicy chops are seared to golden perfection, then coated in a rich, sticky honey garlic glaze that’s just lip-smacking delicious! It’s a crave-worthy, wholesome dinner option that the whole family will love. Need I say more?
I never not have pork chops in the fridge, because they’re incredibly versatile, easy to cook, and pair with just about anything. You guys love it whenever I share a pork chop recipe, like pineapple teriyaki pork chops and air fryer pork chops, so I’m really excited to share with you our new family favorite – honey garlic pork chops!
It’s the best way to enjoy pork chops, especially during busy weeknights. The recipe comes together in just 20 minutes or so, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready to serve at family meals, parties, and even special occasions. Get ready to add this recipe to your regular rotation, because everyone will be asking for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, fuss-free meal: Just a quick sear, a flavorful glaze, and dinner is ready! No marinating required.
- Simple ingredients: Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is easy to whip up any time.
- Incredible flavor: Sweet honey and savory garlic make a rich, caramelized sauce that perfectly pairs with moist, flavorful pork chops.
- One-pan wonder: Make everything in one pan, which means easy cleanup after.
- Endlessly versatile: Enjoy as is, pair it with sides, serve over a bed of rice. You won’t run out of ways to enjoy this versatile dish.
- Meal prep friendly: Cook a big batch, store in the fridge, and reheat for easy meals throughout the week.
How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Honey garlic pork chops are what you want if you’re looking for a quick, stress free dinner. Prep for 5 minutes and cook for 12, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready to serve. The combination of golden-brown crust, juicy interior, and that sticky sweet garlicky glaze will never disappoint!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Pork chops: Either bone-in or boneless pork chops work great for this recipe, although bone-in meat typically takes a little longer to cook. The total cooking time also depends on the thickness of the chops you use.
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Butter: For searing the chops and sauteing the garlic.
- Garlic cloves: For that savory goodness that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness, caramelizes beautifully in the pan, and creates that deliciously sticky glaze.
- Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity, helps balance the sweetness of the glaze, and enhances the overall flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Just cook the chops, make the glaze, combine, and serve – that’s how easy this honey garlic pork chops recipe is – perhaps the easiest one out there. Set aside 20 minutes and follow the 4 simple steps below and you’ll have an all-star meal ready to serve.
Step 1: Prep and cook the chops
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a heavy-bottom or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chops for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and almost cooked through to the center.
Step 2: Make the glaze
Reduce the heat to medium and set the pork chops aside on a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and saute garlic for up to one minute until fragrant, soft and translucent. Add the honey, broth, and vinegar. Stir well to combine and cook for up to 4 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and starts to thicken.
Step 3: Mix
Carefully add the pork chops back to the pan and continue to cook them through while basting frequently with the sauce. The meat is done when the internal temperature reads 145F.
Step 4: Rest and serve
Let rest for up to 5 minutes before serving with sauce.
Substitutions
Even though this is such an easy recipe that requires simple ingredients, you might want to use ingredients that you love or have on hand. Here are my recommendations for quick and clever substitutions.
- Pork chops: No substitutions for pork chops in this recipe! However, the honey garlic glaze is just as delicious on other proteins – try it on chicken breasts, chicken thighs, salmon fillets, or even shrimp skewers!
- Butter: Use olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is best, but use garlic powder (½ teaspoon per clove) in a pinch.
- Honey: Substitute with maple syrup, or brown sugar if that’s what you have.
- Chicken broth: Use chicken stock instead of chicken broth, or replace with beef broth for a richer flavor, or vegetable broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
- Apple cider vinegar: White vinegar, rice vinegar, or even lemon juice can be used as substitutes.
Expert Tips
- After searing the pork, use chicken broth to scrape up the browned bits from the pan for extra depth of flavor in the sauce.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly and add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar for more tang.
- If your sauce becomes too thick, add 1 to 2 of chicken broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can add a delicious spiky kick that complements the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
- After cooking, let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them extra juicy when you cut into them.
- If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice, veggies, or mashed potatoes, simply increase the broth, honey, and garlic!
How to Store This Recipe
Cool pork chops completely, transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or up to 2 weeks in the freezer. To reheat, heat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375 F. Thaw frozen honey garlic pork chops in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Enjoy honey garlic pork chops on its own, or pair with your favorite sides. We love them with make-ahead mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. They’re also delicious served with dinner rolls or on a bed of rice, because you’ll need something to soak up the delicious sauce!
More Easy Dinner Recipes To Try
- Cheese stuffed meatloaf
- Popeyes blackened chicken tenders
- Herb-crusted chicken
- Cheesy chicken asparagus bake
- Slow Cooker Taco soup
Easy One-Pan Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 (2-inch) pork chops
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a heavy-bottom or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chops for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and almost cooked through to the center.
- Reduce the heat to medium and set the pork chops aside on a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and saute garlic for up to one minute until fragrant, soft and translucent. Add the honey, broth, and vinegar. Stir well to combine and cook for up to 4 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and starts to thicken.
- Carefully add the pork chops back to the pan and continue to cook them through while basting frequently with the sauce.
- The meat is done when the internal temperature reads 145 °F. Let rest for up to 5 minutes before serving with sauce.
Video
Notes
- Deglaze the pan: After searing the pork, use chicken broth to scrape up the browned bits from the pan. It’s totally worth the effort and time over just searing or marinating the meat because it makes such a thick and delicious sticky sauce that you can’t get any other way.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly and add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar for more tang.
- Adjust the consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, add 1 to 2 of chicken broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Add a kick of heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can add a delicious spiky kick that complements the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
- Let the meat rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them extra juicy when you cut into them.
- Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice, veggies, or mashed potatoes, simply increase the broth, honey, and garlic!
