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Brown Sugar Pork Chops
These Brown Sugar Pork Chops are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors. Seared until golden brown and then baked in a rich brown sugar garlic sauce, they’re an easy weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, this simple pork chop recipe comes together quickly and delivers tender, juicy results every time.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or a new way to prepare pork chops, this recipe is sure to become a regular addition to your dinner rotation. Serve these flavorful pork chops with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Sweet and savory flavor combination
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
Brown Sugar Pork Chops Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp water
- 1 tsp dry basil leaves
- 1 tsp dry parsley flakes
How to Make Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
- Remove the pork chops to a plate or an oven-safe baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the skillet. Stir until melted.
- Add the minced garlic, brown sugar, water, basil, and parsley. Stir continuously, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Cook for about 1 minute, or until the butter and brown sugar mixture becomes syrupy.
- Return the pork chops to the oven-safe skillet and spoon some sauce over the top. If using a baking dish, pour the sauce over the pork chops.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Spoon the remaining sauce over the pork chops before serving.
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Choose pork chops that are at least ¾ to 1 inch thick for the juiciest results.
- Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer. Pork is done when it reaches 145°F.
- Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to help retain their juices.
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops both work well in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These brown sugar pork chops pair wonderfully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice or wild rice
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Garden salad
- Dinner rolls
Storage
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a covered baking dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in short intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes! Boneless pork chops work perfectly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since they may cook slightly faster.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the pork chops fresh for the best texture.
What temperature should pork chops be cooked to?
The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a short rest before serving.
If you’re searching for an easy pork chop recipe that’s packed with flavor, these Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a must-try. The sweet garlic brown sugar glaze creates an irresistible sauce that keeps the pork tender and delicious. It’s a simple dinner recipe that’s sure to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Calories: 364kcal
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (I used Bone-In Pork Chops)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp water
- 1 tsp dry basil leaves
- 1 tsp dry parsley flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning, to taste.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet (oven-safe if you have one) over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until browned.
- Remove the pork chops to a plate or an oven-safe dish, if not using an oven-safe skillet.
- Turn the burner to low and add the butter to the skillet, stirring until melted. Add the garlic, brown sugar, water, basil, and parsley to the pan. Stir constantly, scraping up any brown bits from the fried pork chops. Cook for 1 minute until the butter and sugar turn syrupy.
- If using an oven-safe skillet, return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. If baking in an oven-safe dish, pour the brown sugar sauce over the pork chops. Place the pork chops in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the pork reaches 145°F. Spoon sauce over pork chops when serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1chop | Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 543mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg
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