Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (2024)

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$6.87 recipe / $1.72 serving

by Beth - Budget Bytes

published updated

4.71 from 223 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, 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

4.71 from 223 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 moist pork chops? ›

How to Keep Pork Chops from Drying Out? Brine Them! After you bring your pork chops home, time to brine! Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop.

What's the best way to cook pork chops to make them tender? ›

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? ›

When cooking something like steak, turkey or pork, where meat is the main dish of the meal and paired with a few side dishes, we recommend about 1/2 pound (eight ounces) per person, or up to 3/4 (12 ounces) pound for bigger appetites and those who love leftovers.

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.

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

What tenderizes pork chops? ›

Acid from the balsamic vinegar tenderizes the pork. Salt from the soy sauce flavors the pork. Sweetness from the honey balances out the acid and salt. Worcestershire sauce adds a wonderful layer of unami flavor.

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

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. 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.

Does salting pork chops make them tender? ›

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.

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?

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

To ensure you have a juicy, tender piece of pork you want want to cook your bone-in pork chops to the correct temperature. The temperature for pork chops is 145 degrees F with a three minute rest which takes about 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees with the bone-in.

Should I cover pork chops when baking? ›

We ask you to cover the pork with foil or parchment during baking. By gently cooking the chops this way, they remain juicy and become tender.

How long does it take to cook a pork chop in the oven at 350 degrees? ›

Bake pork chops that are about 1¼-inch thick at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 17 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long should you cook pork chops for in the oven? ›

How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 400 Degrees F. 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 do you make pork soft and tender? ›

Using a brine or a marinade will make your life so much easier. If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade.

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.

What should I soak my pork chops in? ›

Mix milk with first amount of salt (2 teaspoons) and allow pork chops to soak in this mixture for as long as you'd like, about an hour to maybe four works well. Overnight soaking will result in too much moisture & your breading will fall off. Remove pork chops from brine, and set aside.

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