Honey Garlic Pork Chops bring that sweet-savory punch without keeping you in the kitchen all night. Juicy chops seared golden, coated in garlicky honey sauce, and ready in under 20 minutes it’s the kind of dinner that feels like a treat but fits on a busy Tuesday. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, so you get big flavor with barely any cleanup.
Why This Honey Garlic Pork Chops Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can whip this up in just 10 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: One skillet means less mess to deal with.
- Big flavor: The honey and garlic combination is a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Chops (3 Steps & Timing)
Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (optional).
Cook the Pork Chops
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until nicely browned. Reduce the heat to medium-low, pour the honey garlic sauce over the pork chops, and turn to coat evenly. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Salt to taste
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Steamed broccoli: A quick and healthy side.
- Rice: White, brown, or jasmine rice pairs well.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad adds crunch.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to restore the crispiness. Aim for 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, checking until warmed through.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped garlic and ginger to save time.
- Grab a rotisserie chicken for an easy meal on a busy night.
- Buy bagged mixed vegetables that steam in the microwave.
- Use microwaveable rice for a quick side.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Budget Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of pork.
- Health Swap: Substitute low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.
- Convenience Swap: Try store-bought honey garlic sauce if you’re in a hurry.
- Flavor Variation: Add a splash of lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Low-sodium can be used for a healthier option.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Pre-chopped garlic can save time.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger Pre-grated ginger can also speed up prep.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust to taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, pour the honey garlic sauce over the pork chops, and turn to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs About Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe
Can I make these pork chops ahead of time?
Yep! Cook them as usual, then cool and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven or air fryer at 350°F to bring back that nice texture. The sauce thickens as it rests, so just give it a quick stir or add a splash of water to loosen it up.
What if my sauce turns out too thin?
No problem. Just let it simmer a little longer in the skillet. The heat will naturally thicken it into a glossy glaze. If you’re really in a hurry, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in just don’t overdo it, or it’ll get too gummy.
Can I swap the pork chops for chicken?
Absolutely. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work just fine. Just make sure you adjust the cooking time chicken usually cooks a bit quicker. The honey garlic sauce pairs just as well with chicken as it does with pork.
How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
The trick is not to overcook. Aim for 145°F internal temp and pull them off the heat right away. Let them rest a couple of minutes before serving this keeps the juices locked in so every bite stays tender.
Can I make a spicier version?
For sure. Toss in extra red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha when mixing the sauce. It gives a sweet-heat kick that balances perfectly with the honey.
Wrapping It Up
These Honey Garlic Pork Chops are the kind of dinner that makes weeknights feel special without eating up your whole evening. Juicy, full of flavor, and cooked in one pan you’ll be glad you gave this a try. Grab some rice or mashed potatoes, throw in a quick veggie side, and dinner’s done. Trust me, this one’s worth keeping in your back pocket for busy nights.
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