Honey Garlic Pork Chops

 Honey Garlic Pork Chops: The Ultimate 20-Minute Dinner

If you're looking for a simple, impressive, and unbelievably fast dinner that delivers maximum flavor, stop right here. These Honey Garlic Pork Chops are the answer to your weeknight routine!

We're taking tender, thick-cut pork chops, pan-searing them to a beautiful golden crust, and then coating them in a thick, sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. The entire process—from pan to plate—takes less than 20 minutes, making it an absolute game-changer for busy evenings.

The secret is the sauce, which is made right in the pan using the leftover browned bits from the chops. This technique, called deglazing, guarantees that every single drop of flavor is captured and transformed into an addictive glaze that you will want to put on everything.

Say goodbye to dry, boring pork and hello to your new favorite weeknight staple!

The Secret to Perfect Pork Chops

The key to preventing dry pork chops is using a thick, bone-in cut (at least 1 inch thick) and following a few simple pan-searing rules:

1. Pat them dry: Moisture prevents a proper crust.

2. Season well: Use plenty of salt and pepper.

3. Get the pan hot: A screaming hot pan is essential for a deep, golden-brown sear.

Cut	Preparation	Cooking Time (Medium-Rare)	Ideal Use
Loin Chops	Thick, bone-in or boneless center-cut	4-6 minutes per side	Quick weeknight meal
Rib Chops	Bone on the side	3-5 minutes per side	Elegant, faster cooking
Shoulder Chops	Larger, tougher	N/A	Slow cooking only

For this recipe, we recommend using thick, bone-in Loin Chops for the best results and juiciest final product.

Recipe: Honey Garlic Pork Chops

This recipe serves 2 people and is easily scalable for a crowd.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

• 2 thick-cut pork loin chops (about 1 inch thick)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon water or chicken stock

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep and Season the Chops

1. Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.

2. In a small bowl, rub the pork chops with olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside while the pan heats up.

2. Sear the Pork Chops

1. Heat a large skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until it is smoking hot.

2. Carefully place the pork chops in the hot pan.

3. Sear for 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until a beautiful crust forms.

4. Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes. (Pork is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C).

3. Make the Glaze

1. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same pan (do not wipe it clean). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds tons of flavor!

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not let it burn).

3. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and water/stock. Whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 1 minute.

4. Glaze and Serve

1. Return the rested pork chops to the pan.

2. Spoon the honey garlic glaze over the pork chops, turning them gently to fully coat both sides. Cook for 1 minute to heat through and allow the sauce to fully adhere.

3. Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce from the pan over the chops.

4. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Pro Tips for Success

Pro Tip	Description
Hot Pan is Key	For a deep brown crust (the Maillard reaction), the pan must be smoking hot before the pork hits the surface.
Use a Thermometer	Pork is safest and juiciest when cooked to 145°F (63°C). Pull it off the heat when it hits 140°F, and the resting period will bring it to the perfect temperature.
Rest Your Meat	Allowing the chops to rest for 5 minutes under foil is critical for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist final result.
Meal Pairing	Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious honey garlic sauce!

Enjoy this spectacular dish! Let us know if you try this recipe by sharing your photos!