Brown Sugar Pork Chops

This post may contain affiliate links.

These sweet and savory brown sugar pork chops are crazy delicious! This recipe is easy to make and equally perfect for entertaining and busy weeknights. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe

Weeknight dinners call for simple and flavorful recipes that I can have on the table in just minutes. These brown sugar pork chops are just to die for! With a savory sweet glaze and a super easy cooking method, you can have flavorful and juicy pork chops ready in no time.

Pork chops are always an easy family meal since there’s tons of different ways to prepare them. My marinated pork chops, french onion pork chops, and german pork chops are always a hit. And now this easy brown sugar pork chops recipe is also great family-friendly, satisfying dish. It’s in our regular rotation and my kids ask for it often!

There is so much flavor in the brown sugar sauce and cooking thinner chops on the stove top always keeps them from getting dried out. There’s nothing I hate more than meat that is dry and tough, so trust me when I say this is a fail-proof method to making the best pork chops.

You’re going to love this quick recipe that is loaded with flavor. Grab the simple ingredients needed and dinner will be ready in a jiffy!

Why It Works

These delicious pork chops are cooked to perfection with a lightly sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. The combination is incredible, and it’s sure to be a go-to pork chop recipe that the whole family will enjoy:

• The flavor in the glaze is deliciously unique! The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar elevates the juicy, tender pork, making it something extra special.
• It only takes 30 minutes to make this super easy recipe. As an added bonus, the only equipment you’ll be dirtying is a single skillet! Hello, easy cleanup!
• You can use either boneless or bone-in pork chops, plus a few other simple and easy-to-find groceries. The simple ingredients make these tender pork chops a major win.

Ingredients

Here’s a complete list of ingredients that you’ll need to make brown sugar pork chops. Everything is pretty simple, and you may already have most of this list on hand:

• Pork chops
• Mustard
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Oil
• Salt and black pepper

Substitutions and Variations

You can use boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops in this recipe. Just keep in mind that boneless pork chops need less time to cook than bone-in.

I prefer to use dijon mustard, but any kind of mustard you have will work well.

Make this recipe Paleo-compatible when you substitute blackstrap molasses for brown sugar, and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Olive oil and avocado oil will both work best for this recipe.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pork Chops

First, pat the pork chops with a few paper towels on all sides to dry them. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.

Then heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the hot skillet and brown them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are lightly browned and release easily from the skillet.

Remove the pork chops and set them aside on a plate.

Lower to a medium heat, and then add the minced garlic, brown sugar, mustard, and soy sauce.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This makes the brown sugar glaze super flavorful!

Add the pork chops back to the skillet and allow the sauce to simmer as the pork cooks over low heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the pork chops cooked through. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chop.

As the delicious brown sugar pork chops cook, stop a few times to spoon the simmering glaze over each pork chop.

Once the pork chops reach an internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), remove them from the skillet and allow them to rest for at least 3 minutes.

Serve with your favorite sides, like raw carrot salad, coleslaw, or cannellini bean salad, and enjoy!

How to Store Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Transfer the leftover pork chops and any leftover glaze to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also transfer leftovers into a freezer bag that is sealed tightly, or an airtight container, and freeze for 2-3 months. Allow to thaw before reheating.

For best results, reheat on the stove-top with a bit of oil or in the oven until heated through.

What to Serve with Brown Sugar Pork Chops

I love serving pork chops with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. But you can also pair them with tasty dishes like air fryer sweet potatoes or some honey roasted parsnips and carrots.

You can also whip up a quick leafy green salad like this quinoa arugula salad or make some easy air fryer broccoli. Don’t forget some fresh, fluffy dinner rolls!

Tips for Success

With a few simple tips, you can have an incredible meal on the dinner table in no time:

• Before browning, dry the pork chops by patting them with a few paper towels on all sides. This will help make sure each pork chop browns nicely and give you the best-tasting and best-looking meat.
• Spoon the sauce over the pork chops as they simmer, and again when you serve.
• The glaze will thicken and reduce by about 1/3 when it simmers. If the brown sugar sauce reduces too much, then you can just whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth at a time.
• The thickness of the pork chop will determine the exact cook time. To avoid overcooking and drying out the meat, use a meat thermometer to determine when the pork chops are done cooking, then let them rest.

FAQ

More Skillet Recipes

• Kielbasa & Butternut Squash
• Pizza Chicken
• French Onion Pork Chops
• Mexican-Inspired Pork Chops