These easy honey garlic baked pork chops are juicy and full of flavor! With a sweet and savory glaze, they make a perfect family dinner that everyone will enjoy.
I love how quick they are to prepare. Just mix up the honey garlic sauce, coat the chops, and let the oven do the work. It’s almost like magic! 🪄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are juicy and flavorful, but feel free to use boneless chops if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking time; they may cook faster.
Honey: This adds a sweet stickiness. If you need a substitution, maple syrup or agave syrup works well too, but it will slightly change the flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you only have garlic powder, use 1/2 teaspoon, but fresh garlic really shines in this dish.
Soy Sauce: This adds a nice umami kick. For a gluten-free option, choose tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the sweetness. Lemon juice can be a good alternative if you’re out of vinegar.
Potatoes: I like using Yukon Gold or red potatoes for roasting. However, sweet potatoes or even cauliflower can be great substitutes for a different taste.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds color and crunch. If it’s not in season, broccoli or green beans can be good stand-ins.
How Do I Get My Pork Chops Juicy and Tender?
To ensure your pork chops stay juicy, start by not overcooking them. Preheat your oven correctly and use a meat thermometer. Well-cooked pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C).
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. This helps enhance their natural flavor.
- Brushing on the honey garlic glaze adds moisture and flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes after baking. This lets the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness!
With these tips and techniques, you’ll have perfectly cooked pork chops that are bursting with flavor. Enjoy!
Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh or dried rosemary (optional, especially if roasting potatoes as on the side)
- 1 lb potatoes (if desired, sliced for roasting)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (optional, for side)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes in the oven. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to have a delicious dinner ready on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help your pork chops get that beautiful, golden color as they bake.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’d like a little extra flavor. This will enhance their taste beautifully!
3. Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (if using), and olive oil. This glaze will add sweetness and a lovely garlic flavor to the chops!
4. Prepare the Potatoes:
If you’re including potatoes, slice them up and toss them in a bowl with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Spread these slices out on a baking sheet for roasting.
5. Arrange the Chops:
Place the seasoned pork chops on a separate baking sheet or an ovenproof skillet. These will bake alongside your potatoes.
6. Brush with Glaze:
Generously brush the honey garlic sauce over the top of the pork chops, coating them well to lock in moisture and flavor.
7. Bake the Chops:
Put the pork chops in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Halfway through, brush them with more honey garlic sauce for an extra burst of flavor!
8. Roast the Potatoes:
While the chops are baking, roast the potatoes for about 25-30 minutes until they’re golden and tender, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
9. Cook the Asparagus (Optional):
If you’re adding asparagus, toss it with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the asparagus to the oven during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking until tender crisp.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve the pork chops hot alongside the roasted potatoes and asparagus. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the top for that extra flavor kick! Enjoy your delicious meal!
This recipe yields tender, juicy pork chops glazed with a vibrant sweet and garlicky sauce, perfectly paired with crispy roasted potatoes and bright green asparagus. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine. Just be aware that they may cook faster, so check for doneness at around 15-18 minutes to prevent overcooking.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Honey? Can I Substitute It?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. Both will add sweetness, but they will slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to maintain their juiciness.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can make the honey garlic glaze and marinate the pork chops a few hours ahead or even overnight. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
