Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that comes together quickly, Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a perfect choice. This recipe combines savory flavors with a hint of sweetness, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but fancy enough for guests. Plus, the use of brown sugar creates a glossy glaze that enhances the pork’s natural flavors.
How to Make Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 2 bone-in pork chops about 1-inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons butter
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Combine the salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Season both sides of each pork chop as well as the edges evenly with the mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3–4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the skillet with the pork chops to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest on a plate.
- While the pork chops rest, return the skillet to medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, water or chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the brown sugar sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and drizzle the brown sugar glaze over the top.
- Plate the pork chops and drizzle more of the brown sugar glaze over the top.
How to Serve Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Serve these pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. The brown sugar glaze pairs well with a variety of sides, adding a sweet touch to your meal. Don’t forget to drizzle extra glaze on your vegetables for added flavor!
How to Store Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops
To store leftover pork chops, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to warm them gently to maintain their tenderness.
Tips to Make Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Make sure to let the pork chops rest after baking. This keeps them juicy and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked pork.
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in the seasoning blend for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Variation
You can get creative with the glaze by adding different spices or ingredients. Try using honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness or adding Dijon mustard for a tangy twist. You can also choose boneless pork chops if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless pork chops will work well with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Is it necessary to use bone-in pork chops?
Using bone-in pork chops adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist. However, boneless chops are perfectly fine if you prefer them.
How do I know when pork chops are done?
Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). A meat thermometer is the best way to check.
Give this Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops recipe a try for your next meal, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 2 pieces bone-in pork chops about 1-inch thick
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Combine the salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl.
- Season both sides of each pork chop as well as the edges evenly with the mixture.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3–4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the skillet with the pork chops to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest on a plate.
- While the pork chops rest, return the skillet to medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, water or chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
- Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the brown sugar sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and drizzle the brown sugar glaze over the top.
- Plate the pork chops and drizzle more of the brown sugar glaze over the top.