Best Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

These juicy, bone-in pork chops are coated in a mouthwatering brown sugar garlic glaze that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

When it comes to easy pork chop recipes, this one tops our list every single time. It’s got everything we love: juicy pork chops, savory flavors, a hint of sweetness, and a short cooking time.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have the best brown sugar pork chops on your table in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe

This is our go-to pork chop recipe for good reason. The brown sugar garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully in a hot skillet and gives the pork a rich, delicious crust. The inside stays juicy and tender, especially when you use a meat thermometer to cook it just until done. 

Whether you’re new to cooking pork chops or you’re looking for a new favorite, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

• 4 thick cut bone-in pork chops
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

That’s it – just a few pantry staples and you’re ready to go. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of chili powder for a simple spice rub. 

Detailed Instructions for Cooking Pork Chops

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Pat the pork chops dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, and optionally, a little garlic or onion powder.
3. Add olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat and swirl to coat the bottom.
4. Add the seasoned pork chops to the hot skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with foil while you make the glaze.
5. In the same skillet you fried the pork chops in, melt the butter over medium heat and use spatula to scrape up the pork chop bits. Add the minced garlic, brown sugar, and parsley and cook until melted and bubbly, about 1 minute.
6. Pour the brown sugar sauce over the seared pork chops. Bake the glazed pork chops in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. 
7. Remove pork chops from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.

Best Way to Store Leftover Pork Chops

Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re great the next day for lunch or dinner. Cooked pork chops will keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Suggested Side Dishes

Pair your brown sugar garlic pork chops with:

• Roasted potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
• Sauteed green beans or steamed broccoli
• A side salad with homemade ranch dressing or honey vinaigrette
• Buttered rice or creamy polenta

These sides soak up the delicious brown sugar sauce and complete the meal.

FAQs for Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe

• Can I use boneless pork chops instead? Yes, but reduce the pan frying time to 2-3 minutes per side and reduce the baking time as well. Be sure to check the internal temperature for doneness and to avoid overcooking in the oven.
• What’s the best way to avoid dry pork chops? Use a meat thermometer and stop cooking at 145 degrees F. Let them rest 5 minutes before cutting for a moist result.
• Can I double the brown sugar sauce? Absolutely. Double all sauce ingredients for extra flavor. Great if you’re serving with rice or potatoes.
• How do I know if they’re done without a thermometer? A meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer is best to ensure safe and juicy pork, but another good way to tell is to make sure there’s no pink in the center. 
• Can I prep these ahead of time? You can season the chops and mix the glaze ingredients ahead of time to speed things up when you’re ready to cook. Store both in the fridge until ready to cook.
• Can I add more spice? Yes! Try chili powder, chili peppers, paprika, or cayenne for a spicier glaze.
• Will this work with pork loin or pork rib chops? Yes. Just watch the cooking time and adjust based on cut and thickness.
• Is there a pork chop marinade I can use with this recipe? No need to marinade with this recipe. The brown sugar glaze does the flavoring while baking.
• How long are cooked pork chops good in the fridge? Cooked pork chops will last 3–4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
• How long to fry thick pork chops or how long to bake pork chops at 400 degrees? This recipe uses both frying and baking techniques. First, fry pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side on medium-high heat to sear and seal juices. Then, bake in a baking dish at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature is perfect. Baking in the brown sugar butter sauce infuses flavor and ensures tender pork with a moist result.
• How to fry pork chops? Heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear each side for 3-4 minutes. Finish in the oven until the internal temp reaches 145 degrees. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness after searing, especially with bone-in pork chops.
• How hot should pork chops be? The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees F as measured by an instant-read thermometer for safe, juicy pork chops.
• Best side dishes for pork chops? Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, buttered noodles, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

This delicious brown sugar pork chops recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or Sunday dinner. The savory flavors, easy recipe steps, and crave-worthy brown sugar sauce will win over the whole family. With its sweet, garlicky glaze and juicy texture, it’s one of our favorite pork chop recipes.

Try it out for your first time and it may just become your new go-to. It takes less time than you’d expect and delivers huge flavor. Print the recipe card, fire up your skillet, and get cooking!

Let me know in the comments if you tried this or a similar recipe – I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Pin It For Later!

Best Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops Recipe

These juicy, bone-in pork chops are coated in a mouthwatering brown sugar garlic glaze that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 thick cut bone-in pork chops
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Pat the pork chops dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, and optionally, a little garlic or onion powder.
3. Add olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat and swirl to coat the bottom.
4. Add the seasoned pork chops to the hot skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with foil while you make the glaze.
5. In the same skillet you fried the pork chops in, melt the butter over medium heat and use spatula to scrape up the pork chop bits. Add the minced garlic, brown sugar, and parsley and cook until melted and bubbly, about 1 minute.
6. Pour the brown sugar sauce over the seared pork chops. Bake the glazed pork chops in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
7. Remove pork chops from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.