Dive into this 15-minute honey garlic pork chop recipe that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy tender pork bathed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be a great option. However, they may cook slightly faster than bone-in chops, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
How can I tell if my pork chops are fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Pork is considered safe when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest time.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Definitely! This recipe can easily be adjusted to fit the number of servings you need. Just ensure that the pork chops cook in a single layer in the pan for even cooking.
Is there a specific type of honey that works best?
Any pure honey will work for this recipe. However, using raw honey can impart a richer flavor to the sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cooking wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons for cooking
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
- Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt & pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are well-integrated.
- Prep the Pork Chops: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over both sides of each pork chop. Generously sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix onto each side of the pork chops. Ensure you pat the seasoning onto the meat to make it stick, rather than rubbing it in.
- Searing the Pork Chops: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and slightly smoking, place the pork chops in, searing the fatty side first. This will help the pork chops lie flat and cook evenly. Cook each side for approximately 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the pan and set them aside.
- Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 15 seconds or until fragrant. Next, add the honey, stirring constantly until it starts to caramelize.
- Deglazing and Final Touches: Pour in the cooking wine to deglaze the pan, ensuring to scrape off any bits from the bottom of the pan. Following this, pour in the chicken broth and stir. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat until it thickens slightly.
- Combining the Pork Chops and Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, place the seared pork chops back into the pan. Baste the chops with the honey garlic sauce, ensuring they’re well-coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the pork chops are thoroughly coated and heated through, remove them from heat. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
Note: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. The sauce is rich and delightful, so make sure to drizzle some over your sides too!
Tips:
- Ensure Even Cooking: If your pork chops are very thick, you might want to consider using a meat mallet to pound them to a uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making more than what can fit in your pan, cook the pork chops in batches. Overcrowding can cause the meat to steam rather than sear, preventing that delicious crust from forming.
- Let Pork Chops Rest: After cooking and before slicing, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moister chops.
- Sauce Variations: If you’d like a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
- Side Dish Pairings: This dish is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Consider trying garlic roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or even a light cucumber salad.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the pork from drying out.
