These tasty boneless pork chops are super easy to make and cooked in a yummy honey garlic sauce. The sweetness of honey and the zing of garlic come together perfectly!
Cooking these chops always makes me feel like a chef! I love serving them with rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, it’s a meal the whole family will love! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Pork Chops: These are the star of the dish! You can use center-cut or rib chops. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken breasts or tofu can also be great substitutes for a different texture.
Honey: Honey lends sweetness and helps create that nice glaze. If you’re watching sugar intake, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as a healthier substitute.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth and umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos as a lighter alternative.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It brings acidity to balance the sweetness. Lemon juice or white vinegar can be used if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Cooking pork chops is all about timing and heat. Aim for a nice golden brown on each side while keeping the meat juicy inside. Here’s how:
- Start with pork chops at room temperature to ensure even cooking.
- Cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side on medium-high heat. Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F (63°C).
- Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps them tender and juicy!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked pork chops with that delicious honey garlic sauce every time!
Easy Boneless Pork Chops with Honey Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. So, you can have a delicious dinner ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Then, sprinkle salt, pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides to give them great flavor.
2. Brown the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the pork chops in the pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). After cooking, transfer the chops to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
With the skillet still on medium heat, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until you smell that delicious garlic aroma. Next, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens a little bit.
4. Glaze the Chops with Sauce:
Return the cooked pork chops back into the skillet and coat them thoroughly with the honey garlic sauce. Allow them to cook for another minute, spooning the sauce over the tops to create a sticky glaze.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the glazed pork chops to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the chops and add some fresh rosemary or thyme for decoration if you’d like. Serve right away with your preferred sides, like rice, steamed veggies, or mashed potatoes!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful boneless pork chops with the perfect balance of sweet and savory honey garlic sauce! Dinner is served!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless pork chops work great, you can also use bone-in pork chops, pork loin, or even pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different cuts may cook differently.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove on low heat until warmed through. You can drizzle a bit of extra honey garlic sauce over them for added moisture!
Can I Double the Sauce Recipe?
Definitely! If you love the honey garlic sauce, feel free to double the ingredients for the sauce. This way, you’ll have plenty to drizzle over your sides or serve on the table.
What Can I Serve With Boneless Pork Chops?
These pork chops are delicious with a variety of sides! They pair nicely with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with a side of warm bread to soak up the extra sauce!
