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Easy Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe with Perfect Pan Sauce Tutorial

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A quick and easy weeknight recipe featuring bone-in pork chops seared to perfection and coated in a luscious honey garlic pan sauce with a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, center-cut recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  3. Add the pork chops to the pan without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 135°F (57°C) at this point; the chops will finish cooking in the sauce. (10 minutes)
  4. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest while making the sauce. (5 minutes)
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  6. Pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and scrape the browned bits off the pan bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  7. Return the pork chops to the pan, turning once to coat both sides. Let them warm through for 2-3 minutes. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary now if using.
  8. Serve the pork chops hot, spooning extra pan sauce over the top.

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to loosen it. Use a thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe and juicy meat. Let pork rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. Avoid nonstick pans to achieve a good sear. Garlic cooks fast—stir constantly to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic pork chops, easy pork chops, pan sauce pork chops, weeknight dinner, quick pork recipe, honey garlic sauce, pork chop recipe

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-honey-garlic-pork-chops-recipe-with-perfect-pan-sauce-tutorial/