If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to whip up, this Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender pork chops are seared to a perfect golden brown and then bathed in a luscious, sticky sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and herbal notes that make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these honey garlic pork chops will become an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish that tastes far more complex than it is. Each component plays a vital role, from the aromatic herbs seasoning the chops to the rich sauce that turns every bite into a flavor sensation.
- 4 pork chops : Choose bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick for juicy, tender meat.
- 1/4 cup honey : Provides natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce : Adds savory depth and a beautiful umami punch.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar : Balances the sweetness and brightens flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced : Imparts a rich, aromatic base that complements pork perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil : For searing the pork and building flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt : Essential for seasoning and enhancing all ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper : Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme : Offers a fragrant, earthy touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary : Gives a woody, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with pork.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch : Used to thicken the sauce for that glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon water : Helps dissolve the cornstarch smoothly into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped : Brightens the presentation and adds a fresh, herbaceous garnish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. This simple seasoning infuses the meat with herbal aroma and sets the foundation for a savory flavor that combines wonderfully with the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until well combined. This mixture will be the heart of your sauce, bringing a perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and pronounced garlic flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the pork chops carefully. Sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This step locks in juices and creates those delicious caramelized edges that make every bite so satisfying. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the honey garlic sauce mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer while scraping up those browned bits stuck to the pan — this adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. Let the mixture bubble and slightly reduce, concentrating the taste.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Combine cornstarch and water in a small cup to create a smooth slurry. Slowly drizzle this into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Within a minute or two, the sauce will thicken to a glossy, luscious consistency that perfectly coats the pork chops.
Step 6: Finish Cooking the Pork
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, spooning the thickened sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer together for about 5 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures the chops are cooked through but still juicy and tender.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and let the pork chops rest for a couple of minutes; resting helps redistribute the juices for the most tender bite. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish before serving.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped parsley is a classic way to garnish these chops, bringing brightness and a lovely color contrast. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions to add texture and a mild crunch.
Side Dishes
These honey garlic pork chops pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that irresistible sauce. For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots, which add color and a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating your pork chops atop a bed of garlic butter noodles or alongside a fresh Asian-inspired slaw to complement the sauce’s flavors. You can also drizzle extra sauce over roasted sweet potatoes or use the pork as a main protein for a hearty salad featuring mixed greens and crunchy nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover honey garlic pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for an easy and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save the pork chops for longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure the chops are completely cooled and covered in sauce to help lock in moisture. Frozen pork chops with sauce can last up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. To avoid drying out the meat, add a splash of water or broth and cover while reheating to maintain moisture and keep that luscious honey garlic glaze.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops for this Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe?
Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless pork chops work well for this recipe. Boneless chops tend to cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the time to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness of the honey. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice in equal amounts.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—pork chops are perfectly cooked at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). They should be juicy with just a slight blush of pink in the center.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the sauce and season the chops ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
If you don’t have cornstarch, a flour slurry made with all-purpose flour and water works well too. Just mix equal parts flour and cold water and add gradually to the simmering sauce until thickened.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe is one of those comforting yet impressive dishes that you’ll revisit again and again. Its irresistible sauce and tender pork chops truly make meal times special without a lot of fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen, delighting family and friends alike.
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Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet and savory Honey Garlic Pork Chops cooked to perfection in a skillet. These juicy pork chops are seared to a golden brown, then simmered in a luscious honey garlic sauce thickened with a cornstarch slurry. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this recipe is perfect for an easy and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pork chops, bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Set the pork chops aside to let the seasoning absorb.
- Prepare the Sauce Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until well combined to form the honey garlic sauce base.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic mixture into the same skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate any flavorful browned bits left from searing the pork chops.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Cook Pork Chops in Sauce: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the thickened sauce over the chops and let them simmer gently for 5 more minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the pork chops to rest for a couple of minutes to retain their juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh flavor and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the pork chops are about 1 inch thick for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Deglazing the pan adds depth of flavor to the sauce from the browned bits.
- Adjust the amount of honey for sweetness according to your preference.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
