These honey garlic baked pork chops are super tasty and easy to make! A sweet and savory glaze makes the pork juicy and full of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Trust me, the smell of these baking will tempt everyone to the kitchen! I love serving them with rice or veggies for a well-rounded dinner. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for this recipe as they stay juicier during baking. If you prefer, boneless chops can work, but adjust the cooking time as they cook faster.
Honey: This is key for that sweet glaze. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as a substitute. Just note that the flavor will be a bit different.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best for flavor, but you can use minced garlic from a jar if you’re in a pinch. If you love garlic like I do, feel free to add more cloves!
Soy Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. Adjust the amount of salt in your recipe if you make this swap, as tamari is often saltier.
Vegetables: Asparagus is a great side, but feel free to use any seasonal vegetable like broccoli or green beans! Sweet potatoes also make a delicious substitute for regular potatoes.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Juicy and Tender?
Getting juicy pork chops is all about the cooking technique. First, let your chops sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly.
- **Searing:** Don’t skip searing the chops! This locks in moisture and creates a beautiful crust.
- **Basting:** While baking, use the honey garlic sauce to baste your chops. This helps keep them moist and adds flavor.
- **Resting:** Always let them rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- For the Vegetables (optional):
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for vegetables)
- Salt and pepper (for vegetables)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 25-30 minutes for cooking. In total, expect about 40 minutes to get these delicious pork chops on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This allows the pork chops to cook evenly once they’re in the oven.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme (if you’re using it). This adds great flavor to the meat.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. When finished, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice). This will be your delicious glaze!
5. Coat the Pork Chops:
Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the seared pork chops in the skillet. This will give them a sticky, sweet glaze as they bake.
6. Bake the Pork Chops:
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Halfway through the baking, baste the pork chops with the sauce to keep them juicy.
7. Prepare the Vegetables (Optional):
While the pork chops are baking, toss the asparagus and potato wedges in olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven alongside the pork for 15-20 minutes until they are tender and golden.
8. Rest the Pork Chops:
Once the pork chops are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon any extra pan sauce over the pork chops and serve them hot with the roasted asparagus and potatoes on the side. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful honey garlic baked pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be aware that they might cook a bit faster, so check their internal temperature earlier, around 12-15 minutes, to avoid overcooking.
What if I Don’t Have Honey? Can I Use Something Else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness, though the flavor will slightly change. Just ensure that whatever you use is liquid for the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to keep them moist.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Ahead of Time?
Yes! Marinating the pork chops in the honey garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight can enhance the flavor even more. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before searing and baking for even cooking.
