Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe

These Brown Sugar Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Perfect for a quick yet delicious dinner!
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for searing)
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel, then rub both sides with the seasoning mix.
- Let the pork chops sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature to absorb flavors.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter.
- Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the pork chops. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the pork chops from the pan and set them aside on a plate (they will finish cooking in the glaze).
Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
- Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same pan, add butter, brown sugar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce starts to bubble.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, letting the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Coat and Cook the Pork Chops in Glaze
- Return the pork chops to the pan and coat them in the brown sugar glaze.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for juicy pork.
- Spoon the glaze over the pork chops as they cook for extra caramelization.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Remove the pork chops from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Drizzle extra glaze from the pan over the pork chops before serving.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice for a complete meal!
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Use thick-cut pork chops: Thinner ones can dry out quickly.
- Don’t overcook: Pork is best at 145°F (63°C) with a slight pink center.
- Let the pork chops rest: This keeps them juicy.
- Deglaze the pan: If the glaze thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth.
Enjoy your Brown Sugar Pork Chops – sweet, savory, and packed with flavor! 🍽🔥