Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (2024)

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$6.87 recipe / $1.72 serving

by Beth - Budget Bytes

published updated

4.70 from 224 votes

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Pork chops get a bad rap because most pork chop recipes result in dry, tough, hockey-puck-like pieces of meat thatno one gets excited about. Butthese Glazed Pork Chops are different. They’re tender, juicy, and done in just a few minutes, which makes them perfect for weeknight dinners. What’s the secret? Cooking fast and coating the pork chops in a smoky, spicy, sugar glaze, which helps hold in the moisture. So you can stop looking. You’ve found the last pork chop recipe you’ll need!

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (2)

It’s All About the Spice Rub…

For these glazed pork chops, I made a basic rub out of brown sugar, garlic, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and a little salt for good measure. This rub is super easy, FULL of flavor, and naturally creates a sticky sweet glaze in the pan. This awesome rub works equally as well on chicken!

What is the Best Pork Cut?

I find this recipe works best with center cut boneless pork chops that are between 1/2 to 1-inch thick. Thin-cut pork chops will cook too quickly and will likely dry out. Bone-in pork chops take much longer to cook, and the glaze may burn by the time the chops cook through. So, stick to center-cut boneless for best results! You can also do something similar with pre-cooked ham steaks. See my Glazed Ham Steaks recipe for reference.

What to Serve with Glazed Pork Chops

Pork chops are a classic comfort food, so comfort food side dishes are a natural match. Comfort food recipes like Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Green Bean Casserole, Fried Cabbage, or Mustard Greens would be awesome. If you want to go with something lighter, Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes would be great, as would Roasted Broccoli, Honey Mustard Broccoli Salad, Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad, or even an Apple Dijon, and Kale Salad.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (3)

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pork Chops

4.70 from 224 votes

These juicy Glazed Pork Chops are sweet, salty, and a little spicy. The sugar glaze helps keep the chops moist and tender!

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (4)

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (5) Servings 4

Prep 10 minutes mins

Cook 15 minutes mins

Total 25 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar ($0.12)
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp salt ($0.05)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper ($0.05)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.32)
  • 4 thick cut boneless pork chops ($5.97)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

  • Remove the pork chops from their package and rub the seasoning mixture over all sides of each chop. The moisture from the meat will help the seasoning to adhere to the surface.

  • Heat olive oil in a large, oven­-safe skillet over a medium flame. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the pork chops. Cook the chops for about 5 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.

  • If your chops are greater than one-inch thick, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven for another 5­-10 minutes to finish cooking. Test the chops with a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached 145ºF. Cook longer if needed.

  • Dredge the chops through the thick sauce in the bottom of the pan just before serving.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 401.6kcalCarbohydrates: 14.05gProtein: 40.08gFat: 19.65gSodium: 448.28mgFiber: 0.2g

Read our full nutrition disclaimer here.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (6) Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!

Video

Look at that juicy, glazed goodness… 🤤

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (7)

Check out this glaze used with chicken in my Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs.

How to Make Glazed Pork Chops – Step By Step Photos

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (8)
In a small bowl stir together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and some freshly cracked pepper.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (9)
Rub the spice mix over both sides of four thick-cut boneless pork chops. The moisture from the meat will dissolve the sugar and help the spices adhere to the surface.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (10)
Heat 2 Tbspolive oil in a skillet over medium heat until the oil is shimmering. Place the chops in the pan and cook on each side for about 5 minutes or until browned.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (11)
Depending on the thickness of the chops, you may need to transfer the skillet to the oven (only if using an oven-safe skillet) to finish cooking. These chops were about an inch thick and were cooked through once browned on both sides. Any thicker and you may need to finish in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes to make sure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (12)

Dredge the chops in the glaze that has formed in the skillet before serving. You can also tilt the skillet and scoop it up with a spoon, then drizzle it over the chops.

😍😍😍These glazed pork chops have me mesmerized!

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (13)

I added a little chopped parsley just for kicks (or color, actually), but it’s not necessary.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making tender pork chops? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops? ›

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

How many pounds of pork chops do I need for 6 people? ›

Boneless Meat: 1/2 lb. per person for adults and 1/4 lb. per person for children. Bone-In Meat: 1 lb.

What cooking method is best for pork chops? ›

Bake your pork chops at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. If you want to add an extra step, sear your pork chops in a pan first and transfer to a baking sheet to cook for about 6-8 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

How do you cook pork chops so they aren't tough and dry? ›

Braising takes pan-fried pork chops one delicious step further. Braising is also a forgiving cooking method. Because the chops finish by simmering in liquids, they won't dry out as easily. Just give them a quick high-heat sear in the skillet first.

Do pork chops get more tender the longer you cook them? ›

Overcooked Pork Chops Are Tough

When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing. This is partly due to carry-over cooking.

Should I cook pork chops in butter or oil? ›

I use both! At the same time! The butter helps achieve that golden brown color and adds more flavor, but you need the oil, too, because it has a higher smoke point and keeps the butter from burning. How long do you cook pork chops in a frying pan?

What should I season pork chops with? ›

Pork Chop Seasoning Recipe
  1. 3 tablespoons paprika.
  2. 2 tablespoons kosher salt.
  3. 3 teaspoons pepper.
  4. 2 teaspoons brown sugar.
  5. 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
  6. 2 teaspoons onion powder.
  7. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  8. 1/2 teaspoon sage (optional)
Jul 31, 2023

Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400? ›

I find that boneless pork chops can cook quicker and become dry easier. I suggest you cook them around the 375 degree temperature or even 400 for a crispier skin. See below for how long to cook them based on their thickness.

How long should pork chops cook in the oven? ›

At 400 degrees F you can count on 7 to 8 minutes for each 1/2 inch of thickness your pork chops are. So, 3/4-inch-thick chops will take 10 to 12 minutes, 1-inch-thick cooks in 15 to 16 minutes, and so on.

How to brine pork chops? ›

You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help. If you are just looking to brine one (1) pork chop or tenderloin, or up to 4 at a time, a quick ratio of salt to water is 4 cups of water and 3 Tbsp of salt / for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.

Can pork chops be a little pink? ›

You would expect to see some pink in a medium-rare steak, so don't be surprised to find it in your pork chops! If the pink color freaks you out, you can continue cooking it until it reaches 155°F. It will still be tasty, but it won't be quite as juicy.

How do you get the most flavor out of pork chops? ›

Like steak or chicken, pork also needs a lot of salt to bring out all the flavor. If you really want to be fancy, you can brine the pork chops in some salt water (season it with other stuff like whole peppercorns and bay leaves). 2. COOK 'EM KINDA LOW AND KINDA SLOW.

How do you cook pork chops so they are soft? ›

First, we sear one side of the chops until browned, flip them, turn the heat to low, and cover the skillet with a lid. The second side will slowly turn golden brown, and since we added the lid, the heat from the pan will gently cook the middle. By gently cooking the chops this way, they stay juicy and become tender.

How do you make pork really tender? ›

You can slow cook it in a slow cooker or oven at a low temperature for several hours until it's fully cooked and tender. This will help break down the tough connective tissues and collagen in the meat, resulting in a succulent and tender pork belly. Braising: Braising is another method that works well for pork belly.

Does soaking pork chops in salt water make them tender? ›

A brine is essentially just salt and water. It helps prevent moisture loss during cooking, and the salt also helps tenderize the meat from the inside out. If you want an extra juicy piece of pork, brine it before cooking. You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help.

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