These pork chops are coated in a rich brown sugar glaze with butter, garlic, and savory spices. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the chops a sticky-sweet crust while keeping the meat moist and tender.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 pork chops (¾–1 inch thick, bone-in or boneless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Brown Sugar Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional but amazing)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds richness + umami)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth (to thin glaze slightly)
🔥 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Let them sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Sear the Pork Chops
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a splash of oil.
- Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the glaze).
3. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
In the same skillet:
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and swirl until melted.
- Stir in garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
- Add brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and vinegar.
- Add water/broth to thin the glaze slightly.
- Cook until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens (2–3 minutes).
The sauce will become glossy and syrupy.
4. Return Pork Chops to the Skillet
- Place the seared pork chops into the glaze.
- Spoon sauce over them constantly.
- Simmer 4–6 minutes, flipping once during cooking.
Cook until internal temperature reaches:
- 145°F (63°C) for juicy, tender chops
- Or slightly more if you prefer well done
The glaze will thicken and coat the pork beautifully.
5. Serve
Plate the pork chops and drizzle with extra glaze from the pan.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed green beans
- A fresh garden salad
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet to keep glaze smooth
- Freeze up to 2 months