Name: Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2x 9oz (250g) bone-in pork chops, brought close to room temperature; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 large cloves garlic (2 lightly crushed with skins on, 2 minced); 1/4 cup (80g) honey; 1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp light/all-purpose soy sauce; 1 sprig rosemary; 1 sprig thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Olive oil, as needed

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy but comes together in no time, this Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe is an absolute winner. The sweet honey glaze balanced with tangy apple cider vinegar and savory garlic creates a sauce that’s irresistibly sticky and packed with flavor. I love preparing this when I want something that’s both comforting and a bit special, without standing over the stove forever.

What makes this Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe stand out is how simple ingredients transform into a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The combination of fresh herbs and butter adds that extra depth I crave, and it’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress guests or family alike. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a beautifully balanced sauce and perfectly cooked pork chops — each playing an essential role in giving you that classic honey garlic flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand.

Bone-in Pork Chops: I prefer bone-in for juicier chops and more flavor; make sure they’re close to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps mellow out the acidity of the vinegar.
Garlic: Using both lightly crushed cloves with skins and minced garlic gives a mix of mellow roasted and sharp garlic flavors.
Honey: The star of our sauce for that sticky-sweet glaze. Raw or mild honey both work.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Light/All-Purpose Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness without overpowering.
Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: These aromatic herbs infuse the butter and sauce with fresh herbal notes.
Salt & Black Pepper: Absolutely essential for seasoning both the pork and the sauce.
Olive Oil: For searing the pork chops to a golden crust.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe is how easy it is to tweak just a little for different moods or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it truly yours.

Make it Spicy: I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a bit of heat—it adds a delicious kick without overpowering the garlic and honey.
Swap the Pork: If you prefer chicken, this sauce shines just as beautifully on boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Add Veggies: Toss in some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers before finishing the sauce for an easy one-pan meal.
Herb Flexibility: Don’t have rosemary or thyme? Oregano or sage can be great substitutes depending on what’s in your kitchen.

How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Pork Chops

Start by bringing your bone-in pork chops to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a splash of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chops and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Don’t move them around too much—let that crust build!

Step 2: Build Your Honey Garlic Sauce

Once the chops are browned, lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the pan along with two lightly crushed garlic cloves (skins on) and your fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs. Let the butter melt and infuse with those aromatics—careful not to let the garlic burn. Next, stir in your minced garlic, honey, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. As the sauce bubbles, gently spoon it over the chops to coat them and let it thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Finish Cooking and Rest

After the sauce has thickened and your pork chops are cooked through (internal temp should read about 145°F or 63°C), remove the pan from heat. Transfer the chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes—this little patience moment keeps your meat tender and juicy. Don’t forget to spoon some of that luscious sauce over the top before serving.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe

The image shows two cooked pork chops in a white pan. Each chop is browned with a shiny, glazed texture from the sauce, and they are topped with sprigs of green rosemary and garlic cloves—one white and whole, the other part purple and peeled. The pan has dark brown spots and a glazed sauce pooling around the edges, creating a rich and savory look. The pork chops have a slightly crispy edge and juicy, tender center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over the pork chops right before serving. It adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich sauce perfectly. If you want an extra touch, some thinly sliced green onions or a light drizzle of extra honey can elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Hands down, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice are my go-to sides with these chops—you’ll want something that soaks up all that sticky honey garlic sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans bring freshness and crunch to the plate, balancing out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe over a bed of buttery polenta or alongside roasted root vegetables arranged in a colorful pattern. A drizzle of extra warm sauce over the dish and a sprinkle of fresh herbs makes it feel restaurant-worthy—perfect if you’re looking to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce separate or spooned over the chops to keep them moist but avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy again, it tastes just as good with a quick reheat.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked pork chops in their sauce before, wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. They hold up well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven for best texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming the chops in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things juicy. Cover the pan to trap steam and reheat slowly to avoid drying out. A short toss in the sauce before serving revives all those beautiful honey garlic flavors.

FAQs

Can I use boneless pork chops for this Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine and tend to cook faster, so reduce the searing time to avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on them and check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for juicy results.
What’s the best way to avoid burning the honey in the sauce?

Honey can burn quickly because of its sugar content, so keep your heat at medium or just below when adding the honey. Stir it into melted butter and garlic, then add the vinegar and soy sauce to balance sweetness. Constantly spooning the sauce over the chops also helps prevent sticking and burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I know when pork chops are cooked perfectly?

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method—the pork is done at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The meat should be just slightly pink in the center and very juicy. Resting the meat after cooking also helps redistribute juices.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe is honestly one of those go-to meals I return to whenever I want a crowd-pleaser without fuss. The blend of sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors always feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Give it a try—you might find, like me, that it becomes a staple for those busy nights when you deserve something delicious and effortlessly satisfying.

Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews

These Honey Garlic Pork Chops are a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner option featuring juicy bone-in pork chops cooked in a rich garlic, honey, and apple cider vinegar sauce. Infused with fresh herbs and a touch of soy sauce, this recipe balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a buttery finish. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, these pork chops come together quickly on the stovetop for a delicious, comforting dish.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prep the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and allow them to come close to room temperature. This step helps ensure even cooking and a juicy interior.
Season the Chops: Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Pork Chops: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked nearly through. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the 2 lightly crushed garlic cloves with skins on to infuse flavor, along with the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Honey and Vinegar: Stir in the minced garlic cloves, honey, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Return Pork Chops to the Pan: Place the seared pork chops back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, turning the chops occasionally to coat in the glaze and finish cooking through.
Rest and Serve: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot, drizzled with the remaining honey garlic sauce and garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Bringing the pork chops close to room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly and retain juiciness.
Be careful not to burn the garlic; add minced garlic after the crushed cloves to prevent bitterness.
You can substitute bone-in pork chops for boneless, but bone-in adds more flavor and moisture.
Adjust the amount of honey to your preferred level of sweetness.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice.

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