Honey Garlic Pork Chops (Juicy, Flavorful & Easy Skillet Recipe)
These honey garlic pork chops are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and cozy. Tender pork chops are seared until golden brown and finished with a flavorful honey garlic sauce made with fresh rosemary, garlic, and a touch of spice.
This simple skillet recipe comes together quickly and creates a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you use bone-in or boneless pork chops, the key is cooking them just until they reach the perfect temperature so they stay juicy and tender.
Reader Summary
In this post, you’ll learn how to make:
- Juicy, perfectly cooked pork chops with a golden seared crust
- A sweet and savory honey garlic sauce using simple pantry ingredients
- An easy one-skillet dinner that comes together quickly
- Tips for keeping pork chops tender and preventing them from drying out
- Simple serving ideas and substitutions to customize this recipe
*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
If you are on the search for cozy home-cooked dinner ideas like this honey garlic pork chop recipe, you will also love Cozy Instant Pot Butter Chicken, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast, and also one of my favorites with pasta, Rosemary Dijon Chicken .
The Comforts of Home
Growing up, one of the most cooked meals we had in my household were my mom’s skillet pork chops. They were quick, easy, and could easily feed all of us on a budget. This recipe is a cozy reminder of those days at home but with an elevated twist. I used boneless pork chops this time because that is what we had on hand but bone-in chops really shine with this recipe. I hope that you will love this home cooked one-skillet meal as much as we do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in one skillet, making cleanup easy and dinner stress-free.
Sweet, Savory, and Full of Flavor
The honey garlic sauce balances sweetness from the honey with savory soy sauce, fresh garlic, rosemary, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.
Juicy and Tender Pork Chops
The secret to tender pork chops is not overcooking them. Cooking until they reach 145°F keeps them juicy while still being perfectly safe to enjoy. I highly suggest a digital food thermometer if you do not have one so you can make sure the temperature is just right.
Made With Simple Ingredients
You don’t need anything complicated to create a flavorful homemade meal. Most of these ingredients are kitchen staples you may already have on hand.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then sprinkle evenly with smoked paprika.
2. Sear the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I personally love my cast iron skillet for this recipe!
Add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are lightly charred.
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Finish Cooking the Pork Chops
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the honey garlic sauce over the top, coating them evenly.
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Remove from heat and allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Spoon any extra honey garlic sauce over the top before serving.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 TBSP soy sauce
- 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then sprinkle evenly with smoked paprika.
- Sear the pork chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and lightly charred. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Finish the pork chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top, coating evenly. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Be careful not to overcook the pork chops, as they can become dry.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pork chops from the heat and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon extra honey garlic sauce over the top and enjoy.
Notes
- Use pork chops that are about 1 inch thick for the best results and juiciest texture.
- Bone-in pork chops tend to stay more tender, but boneless pork chops work well too.
- A meat thermometer is the best way to prevent overcooking pork.
Serving Suggestions
These honey garlic pork chops pair beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Sourdough dinner rolls
- Rice or quinoa
- A fresh garden salad
- Roasted sweet potatoes
For a cozy homemade meal, serve these pork chops alongside seasonal vegetables and a simple homemade side dish.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Use Chicken Instead of Pork
The honey garlic sauce also works well with chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust cooking time depending on the cut.
Make It Spicier
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Use Fresh Thyme Instead of Rosemary
Fresh thyme makes a wonderful substitute if rosemary isn’t available.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep pork chops from drying out?
The best way to keep pork chops juicy is to avoid overcooking them. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, then allow them to rest before serving.
Should pork chops be cooked covered or uncovered?
For this recipe, pork chops are cooked uncovered while searing to help create a flavorful golden crust. They finish cooking in the skillet with the sauce.
Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops?
Pan frying pork chops creates a flavorful crust and allows the honey garlic sauce to coat the meat directly, making it a great choice for this recipe.
Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Yes! Both bone-in and boneless pork chops work well. Just be careful not to overcook thinner boneless chops since they can dry out faster.
How long do cooked pork chops last in the refrigerator?
Cooked pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can I freeze honey garlic pork chops?
Yes. Allow the pork chops to cool completely, then store them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
These honey garlic pork chops are a simple way to bring a flavorful, homemade meal to the table without spending hours in the kitchen. With a golden seared crust and a sweet garlic rosemary sauce, this recipe is the perfect balance of comfort food and easy weeknight cooking.
I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home!
XO, Bri
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you love cozy, homemade meals that bring everyone around the table, you’ll want to try a few more of these comforting recipes from my kitchen.
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