These brown sugar pork chops are both sweet and savory! With a sticky glaze made from brown sugar, they’re juicy and full of flavor. Perfect for a family dinner!
I love how easy these are to whip up after a long day. Just sauté, coat with the glaze, and serve with some rice or veggies. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops provide great flavor and tenderness. You can switch to boneless if you prefer, but they might cook a bit faster, so watch the time.
Brown Sugar: It adds that sweet, caramelized flavor. If you need a substitute, coconut sugar works well or you can even use honey, just reduce the liquid slightly.
Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a delightful smokiness. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can be used, but you’ll lose that smoky flavor.
Chicken Broth: This keeps the glaze moist. Vegetable broth can be a good replacement if you want a lighter flavor. Water is also an option in a pinch.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a nice acidity to balance sweetness. You can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Caramelized Glaze?
The key to a great glaze is to take your time caramelizing the brown sugar. First, make sure your skillet is hot enough but not smoking. Keep stirring the sugar as it melts to avoid burning.
- Start with medium heat after removing the chops; this prevents the sugar from cooking too fast.
- Scrape up any brown bits for extra flavor when adding broth; these add depth to your glaze.
- Let the glaze simmer until it thickens; it should coat the back of a spoon.
With a bit of patience, you’ll get a beautifully sticky glaze that makes these pork chops irresistible!
Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for balance)
- For Garnishing:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Optional: green beans or other veggies, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to get your delicious brown sugar pork chops on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cinnamon for a hint of warmth. This will help build the flavor of the meat.
2. Searing the Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the pork chops. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they’re nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This gives them a delicious crust!
3. Preparing the Glaze:
After searing, remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the brown sugar to the remaining juices in the skillet. Stir until the sugar melts, while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds tons of flavor!
4. Creating the Sauce:
Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth or water and the apple cider vinegar if you’re using it. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a rich, glossy glaze. You want it to coat the back of a spoon—this should take just a few minutes.
5. Coating the Chops:
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, gently coating them with the brown sugar glaze. Let them simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pork to heat through.
6. Final Touches:
Transfer the pork chops to serving plates and spoon any leftover glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and extra flavor.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the brown sugar pork chops immediately with your choice of sides, like steamed green beans or roasted veggies. Enjoy every delicious bite!
These pork chops are sweet, savory, and sure to be a hit with your family! Enjoy your meal! 😊
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine, but be sure to adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Aim for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use coconut sugar or even regular granulated sugar as a substitute. If using granulated sugar, consider adding a teaspoon of molasses to mimic that caramel flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep them juicy.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, just reheat the glaze in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
