Looking for a quick and flavorful way to make pork chops? These Honey Garlic Pork Chops come out tender and juicy, coated in a sweet and savory glaze that’s so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. They’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.
honey garlic pork chops
I love keeping boneless pork chops in the freezer for easy dinners, and this honey garlic version is one I make again and again. The sauce is simple—just a few pantry staples—but it adds so much flavor. A little fresh parsley on top makes it feel a bit fancy, even though it couldn’t be easier. Try it with mashed potatoes, rice, or some roasted veggies on the side.
Why This Honey Garlic Pork Chop Recipe Just Works
This is one of those dinners I turn to when I want something fast but still feels a little special. The pork chops come out juicy and tender every time, and that honey garlic glaze? Totally addictive.
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Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients – You probably have everything you need in your pantry already. A little honey, garlic, soy sauce—nothing fancy, but the combo is magic.
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Quick but Feels Fancy – These cook up in under 30 minutes, but they taste like something you’d get at a nice restaurant.
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Great for Weeknights or Guests – Whether it’s a Tuesday night or you’ve got people coming over, this dish fits the moment.
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Versatile on the Plate – Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes—you really can’t go wrong.
This one’s been a keeper in our house. My husband always asks when it’s coming back on the menu.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these sweet and savory pork chops. (Exact amounts are down in the recipe card.)
Boneless Pork Chops: I like using chops that are about ¾ inch thick—they cook up quickly and stay nice and tender.
Honey: Brings a lovely touch of sweetness and helps the glaze stick to the pork as it cooks.
Soy Sauce: Gives the dish a nice salty balance and a rich, savory flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of this adds just the right amount of tang to cut through the sweetness.
Garlic: I always go for fresh garlic—it makes such a difference and really brings the sauce to life.
Olive Oil: Just enough to get those pork chops nicely browned on the outside.
Fresh Parsley: Totally optional, but I love adding a handful at the end for a bit of freshness and color.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s start with the pork chops
First things first: remove your pork chops and place them on a clean plate or chopping board. I always pat them dry with a paper towel; this helps them develop that lovely golden crust.
Now, don’t be bashful with seasoning. Grab some salt and freshly cracked black pepper and sprinkle it on both sides. This small action makes a huge difference—it enhances the flavor of the meat.
Time to Sear
Now heat up a large skillet. I use olive oil—just a tablespoon or two—and let it get nice and hot over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to shimmer a little.
Carefully place your pork chops in the pan. They should sizzle right away—that’s a good sign! Let them sear for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side, until they’re beautifully browned.
If you’ve got a meat thermometer, go ahead and check that the internal temp is around 145°F. Once they’re done, take them out of the pan and let them rest on a plate. I loosely cover mine with foil to keep them warm.
Let’s Make That Lovely Sauce
Okay, now lower the heat a bit and use the same pan—don’t clean it! Those little brown bits at the bottom? Pure gold.
Toss in 2 or 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir it around for about a minute. Just until it smells heavenly, not burned.
Then, pour in:
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2 tablespoons of honey
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2 tablespoons of soy sauce
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1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Give it a good stir and use your spoon to scrape up the tasty bits from the bottom. Let it all simmer together for a couple of minutes—it should start to thicken up a bit and smell sweet and savory and just plain delicious.
Glaze It All Up
Now bring those pork chops back to the party. Place them right into the pan and spoon that sauce over the top. Flip them once or twice to get everything coated nice and even.
Let them simmer in that sauce for just another minute or two. It’ll thicken up just a bit more and cling to the pork like a beautiful glaze.
Serve and Enjoy
And there you go—gorgeous, glazed pork chops that are full of flavor. I usually serve them with something simple like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even just a side salad if I’m keeping it light.
They look fancy, but they’re totally doable on a weeknight. Let me know if you try them—I’d love to hear how they turn out in your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions
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For cozy nights in: These pork chops are so good with a scoop of mashed potatoes and some roasted green beans on the side—total comfort food that feels like a warm hug.
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Keeping it light: If you’re in the mood for something on the fresher side, serve the chops with a big green salad and maybe a little quinoa or couscous. It’s filling, but still nice and light.
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For something a bit fancy: I love pairing these with garlic butter asparagus and a glass of crisp white wine when I want to dress things up a little—perfect for a special dinner at home.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
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Leftovers: Let the pork chops cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days.
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Reheating: I like to warm them back up gently in a skillet over low heat with just a splash of water or broth to loosen up the glaze. Try to avoid the microwave—it tends to dry the meat out.
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Freezer option: You can definitely freeze them! Just store the pork chops with the sauce in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat low and slow.
Recipe Variations
Using Bone-In Chops
Bone-in chops are great if that’s what you’ve got. They’ve got a bit more flavor, and they stay nice and moist while cooking. Just know they may take a few extra minutes, especially if they’re on the thicker side.
Turn Up the Heat
Looking for a little spice? A dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha does the job. Start small and taste as you go—it adds some zip without going overboard.
Add Some Herbs
Fresh thyme or rosemary go a long way here. Stir a little into the sauce while it simmers—it adds that cozy, earthy depth that makes the whole kitchen smell like something special’s cooking (because it is).
Final Bite
Honey Garlic Pork Chops really are that perfect sweet spot between easy and impressive. Whether you’re throwing together a last-minute weeknight dinner or setting the table for someone special, this dish shows up and shows off. With its tender, juicy pork, that sticky-sweet glaze, and a little sprinkle of parsley to pretty it up—it’s the kind of meal that feels a little indulgent without being a whole production.
Serve it with whatever’s in your pantry or whatever your heart’s craving—mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even just a hunk of crusty bread to sop up that sauce (because waste not, want not, right?).
Add it to your rotation, pass it along to a friend, or just keep it in your back pocket for when you need something reliably delicious. Either way, you’re gonna love every bite.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops: Sweet and Savory Perfection
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops approximately 3/4-inch thick
- salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the pork chops on a clean surface. Sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned pork chops and sear each side for 7-8 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the pork chops and place on a plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Return the pork chops to the pan with the simmering sauce. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops, turning them to coat evenly. Let them cook in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken.
- Sprinkle the pork chops with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.