Juicy pan-seared pork chops with a savory glaze
Easy Pork Chop Dinner
Easy Pork Chop Dinner
23 minEasy
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
18 min
Total Time
23 min
Servings
4
4 pork chops
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Easy Pork Chop Dinner
Juicy pan-seared pork chops with a savory glaze
Boneless pork chops seared golden and finished with a simple honey-garlic pan sauce. A classic family dinner that comes together in under 25 minutes.
5m
Prep Time
18m
Cook Time
23m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These pan-seared pork chops are juicy, flavorful, and on the table in minutes thanks to a quick honey-garlic pan sauce made right in the same skillet. Even picky eaters love the sweet-savory glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
PrecisionUtility
Test Kitchen Pick
Thermometer
Helpful Tool
Why a thermometer helps here
This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.
The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.
- Makes doneness more repeatable
- Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein
If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.
Shop thermometer options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear pork chops 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
- 3
Remove pork chops to a plate and rest. Reduce heat to medium.
- 4
Add garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and 2 tbsp water. Simmer 1 minute.
- 5
Swirl in butter, return pork chops to the skillet, and spoon sauce over them. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
HoneyMaple syrup or brown sugar
Both create a similar sweet glaze
Soy sauceCoconut aminos for soy-free
Slightly sweeter but works the same way
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Soy Sauce
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the soy sauce matters
This is doing more than adding salt. The right soy sauce gives the recipe a rounder, more savory base than a thin generic bottle.
This pantry choice affects depth more than most seasonings here.
- Builds savory backbone quickly
- Useful across stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces
A better soy sauce is one of the easiest pantry upgrades for Asian cooking.
Shop soy sauce for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Let pork chops rest at room temperature 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.
Use an instant-read thermometer—pull at 140°F and let carryover cooking reach 145°F.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container with sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with the sauce to prevent drying out.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (90mg) · 4 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat12g
Fiber420mg
Sugar0g
Sodium10g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I prevent tough, dry pork chops?
- Don't overcook—145°F internal is safe and juicy. Brining for 30 minutes also helps.
- Can I use bone-in chops?
- Yes, add 3-5 minutes cooking time for bone-in chops.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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