Get ready to elevate your dinner game with my incredible brown sugar pork chops!
First, I start with bone-in thick-cut chops because they’re just so much juicier and more flavorful. I rub them down with brown sugar, paprika, and spices. The blend creates the most incredible crust when seared!
Trust me, the aroma alone will have your whole family rushing to the dinner table.
Serve them up with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Pork Chops
I promise you’ll absolutely adore these chops for more reasons than one!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory garlic is beyond mouthwatering.
- Quick & Easy: They can be prepared in under 30 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients. You probably already have them in your kitchen.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the sweet and savory flavors in this dish. It’s one of my go-to family dinners!
- Guaranteed to Impress: They’re quick and easy to make. But these pork chops look and taste impressive for a dinner party.
Ingredients
You only need six ingredients to make this unbelievable dinner:
- Pork Chops: The main event! Bone-in chops are juicier and more flavorful than boneless. Aim for 1-inch thick cuts to prevent drying out during cooking.
- Olive Oil: A little bit helps the spice rub stick to the chops and promotes browning.
- Seasonings: I use brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. It makes the most perfect crust.
- Butter: It brings rich flavor and helps create a delicious pan sauce. Use unsalted to control the seasoning.
- Garlic: It adds a punch of aromatic flavor to the buttery sauce. Fresh is best!
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): To give the sauce a little kick of heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Making these pork chops is easy-peasy!
- Prep the chops. Pat the pork chops dry and rub with olive oil.
- Make the rub. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub on the chops.
- Sear the chops. Heat the skillet, and sear the chops for 3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan.
- Make the sauce. Reduce the heat, melt the butter, and add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
- Bake the chops. Return the chops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over top. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until 145°F internally.
- Baste the chops. Spoon more sauce over the chops halfway through baking.
- Rest and serve. Remove from oven, and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the remaining sauce over top before serving.
Tips For the Best Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Follow these easy tips for the best pork chops you’ve ever had:
- Give ‘em a good pat down. Remove excess moisture from the pork chops with paper towels before applying the rub.
- Be generous with basting. Spoon the butter sauce over the pork chops several times during baking. This adds moisture and flavor.
- Keep a watchful eye. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
- Give them a rest. Let the cooked pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute the juices.
- Serve ‘em with extra sauce. Serve with the remaining pan sauce spooned over the top for extra flavor.
How to Store
Here’s how to store leftover pork chops to keep them nice and fresh:
To Store: Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before transferring them to the container.
To Reheat: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on 50% power for 1-2 minutes. Check every 30 seconds to prevent overheating and drying out the meat.
Brown Sugar Pork Chops
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes487
These brown sugar pork chops are the perfect combo of sweet and savory! You’ll love the amazing caramelized crust.
Ingredients
4 bone-in thick-cut pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture all over both sides of each pork chop.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove pork chops to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the top of each chop.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F. Spoon more sauce over the chops halfway through baking.
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any remaining pan sauce over the top.
Notes
- Use bone-in thick-cut pork chops for the most flavor and to prevent them from drying out.
- Searing the chops before baking helps lock in the juices and caramelize the brown sugar rub.
- Basting the pork chops with the garlic butter sauce while baking makes them extra juicy and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F so you don’t overcook them.
