Honey Garlic Pork Chops are tender pork cuts cooked in a sweet and garlicky sauce. The dish is quick to make and packed with rich, flavorful notes that everyone will enjoy.
I like to make sure my garlic gets nice and golden—it makes the dish smell amazing! I sometimes sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for color.
For an easy meal, serve these with steamed veggies or mashed potatoes. It’s a simple dinner that tastes like a special treat!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Honey: This adds a natural sweetness that balances the garlic and makes the sauce sticky. I usually switch honey for maple syrup if I want a different flavor, but honey keeps things classic and sticky. Use locally sourced honey for richer flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides bright, pungent flavor that really hooks the dish. I love mincing it finely to distribute evenly. If I’m out, garlic powder works in a pinch—just cut the amount in half because it’s more concentrated.
Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless pork chops work well. I prefer bone-in for juiciness, but boneless cook faster. For a milder flavor, chicken thighs are a good substitute. Just keep in mind cooking times will change.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and a bit of saltiness to the sauce. I use low-sodium soy so it doesn’t get too salty. As a swap, coconut aminos work if you’re avoiding soy or need a less intense flavor.
Butter: Helps make the sauce rich and glossy. I often add it at the end off the heat to finish the sauce smoothly. For dairy-free, try coconut oil—it’s a good alternative, though it changes the flavor.
How do I sear pork chops without them drying out?
Start with dry pork chops and let them come to room temperature. Use a hot, oiled skillet and don’t overcrowd it. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden. Turn only once; flipping too often cools the pan and slows browning. Rest before serving.
- Pat chops dry to remove excess moisture, which helps browning.
- Preheat the pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Use enough oil; swirl to coat the skillet evenly.
- Place chops in the pan, don’t move until golden—about 3-4 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes; check doneness with a meat thermometer (145°F).
- Rest the pork for 5 minutes before serving to keep juices in.
How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Chops?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry. Season each side with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and olive oil until combined.
3. Cook the Pork Chops
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chops. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting the meat with the sauce.
5. Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
