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Brown Sugar Pork Chops

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These Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a quick and easy 30-minute family dinner featuring juicy pork chops seared and simmered in a sticky, savory-sweet brown sugar glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick, 1.5 lbs total)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra cracked black pepper (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the edges. (If chops are thicker than 1 inch, add 1-2 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed.)
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Pour the brown sugar glaze over the chops, making sure they’re coated well. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  5. Cover the skillet and let the chops simmer for 6-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Check internal temperature; pork should reach 145°F (63°C). If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  6. Remove the lid and let the sauce bubble for another minute until glossy and slightly thickened.
  7. Transfer chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes so the juices settle.
  8. Spoon glaze over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra cracked black pepper, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use pork chops with some fat along the edge for extra flavor. Don’t overcook—pork dries out quickly. The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter. If you want extra caramelization, finish the chops under a broiler for 1-2 minutes. Leftovers reheat well and the glaze deepens in flavor overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar pork chops, easy pork chops, 30 minute dinner, family dinner, skillet pork chops, sweet glaze pork, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/brown-sugar-pork-chops-recipe-easy-30-minute-family-dinner/