These brown sugar pork chops are seared to golden brown perfection and bathed in a garlic, butter and brown sugar sauce. The absolute BEST way to eat pork chops!
Looking for a quick and easy way to use up those pork chops in your fridge? Pork chops in brown sugar sauce is a family favorite that always gets rave reviews!
I get asked all the time, what is the best way to cook pork chops? And I always respond by promising to send people the recipe for these amazingly delicious brown sugar pork chops! This recipe is quick and easy, and you probably have all the ingredients you need to make it sitting right in your kitchen.
How to make brown sugar pork chops
Let’s first talk about the pork chops – so many cuts, so many sizes to choose from! You’ve got bone in, boneless, thick cut, thin cut. Which one is the best to use?
For these garlic butter pork chops, I like to use bone in pork chops cut about 1 inch thick. I like bone in pork chops because the bone really helps to keep the pork juicy, there’s less of a risk of it overcooking and becoming dry. That being said, you absolutely can use boneless pork chops here, just watch them carefully to make sure they don’t overcook!
The first step for this recipe is to sear your meat to golden brown. I use olive oil for this part because it can be heated to a much higher temperature than butter, and always produces a nice browned crust on meat. After the pork has been seared, you’re going to remove it from the pan and add some butter, brown sugar, garlic and seasonings.
The pork goes back into the pan and is bathed with the buttery garlic goodness, then takes a quick trip through the oven. Make sure you’re using a skillet that’s oven safe!
The final result is tender and juicy pork chops coated in the most delectable sweet and savory sauce. I like to sprinkle my brown sugar pork chops with a little parsley for color and flavor.
Be sure to serve your pork on a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta to soak up all that sauce!
Even my kids adore these pork chops, they ask for them every week. Whether you’re a pro at cooking pork chops, or are just looking to branch out a little bit with your dinner time offerings, you’re sure to enjoy this recipe.
More pork recipes you’ll enjoy
- Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin
- Apple Pork Chops
- 15 Boneless Pork Chop Recipes
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Pork Scallopini
Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 bone in pork chops
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- lemon wedges and parsley sprigs for serving optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pork chops to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until browned.
- Remove the pork from the pan and place on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
- Add the butter to the pan and melt. Add the garlic, brown sugar and Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Place the pork chops back in the pan and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until pork is cooked to desired level of done-ness.
- Spoon the sauce from the bottom of the pan over the pork chops and sprinkle with parsley. Serve, garnished with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs if desired.
Notes
- If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can substitute equal parts of dried oregano, dried basil and dried thyme.
Julie says
Can I do the first 2 steps ahead of time and throw in the oven before dinner?
Sara says
I’d be concerned that the pork would get tough because it will cool completely, and then will need more time in the oven to cook from cold compared to a freshly seared chop!
Jim says
Just recently moved into new house, and a lot of kitchen stuff still needed unpacked. I was surfing for a simple meal, and found this recipe. Local meat market had THICK boneless pork chops on special, so it seemed like a perfect match. My trusted cast-iron fry pan was no where to be found, so had to use plastic handled fry pan and an 8×8 pyrex baking dish to finish in oven (lined with foil for easy cleanup). Chops were so thick, had to cook an extra 10 minutes, but came out perfect!! Served over bed of rice. Family loved them! Will definitely make again! Next time, 1-pan convenience, and double ingredients. Everyone wanted more sauce to put on their rice.
Jennifer Mensch says
A keeper recipe!
Kaylee Kincaid says
This is my favorite way to have pork chops. My dad actually substituted the Italian seasoning for blackened Cajun seasoning, since we did not have any and it was really delicious!! Thank you!
Emily says
This recipe always gets cheers and effusive praise from my kids! It is a favorite in our house for sure.
Kristal says
These were very easy to make and soooo delicious! You won’t be disappointed!
Lisa says
AMAZING!! I’ve made these twice now! The 2nd time, however the butter completely separated from the sauce… 😞 Any thoughts on how to avoid this in the future?
Andrea says
This is the best pork chop recipe I’ve ever used! My husband and teenage son love them prepared this way. I use a large iron skillet and a Pampered Chef digital thermometer and they turn out perfectly every time!!! Garlic mashed potatoes and glazed carrots help make this an incredible meal! 👩🏼🍳
Matt says
Absolutely amazing recipe! My wife said it tasted like we went out to a fancy restaurant, which is not a compliment I usually get. The flavors were incredible.
I used too thin of pork chops and they got slightly overdone, but I cook for my family so over is better than under. Had baby red potatoes and sweet corn for sides and they went perfectly.
Staci says
Oh my goodness. Thank you for this recipe. I did exactly as you said . I had very thick pork chops. This was perfect to ensure it was juicy and done. That brown sugar sauce was on point. I wish I could upload a picture.
Adley Michael says
Outstanding – great way to cook up some chops – and beyond easy = delicious – thank you – will make these for my next dinner party!
Nelda Brady says
My chops were slightly thinner than 1 inch, so I cut the cooking time down. 3 minute sear on each side, 5 minutes in the oven, and use your thermometer (because even that was more than enough!) . I also took the pan off the heat to melt the butter and make the glaze on my second attempt (after it burnt!). The glaze was very tasty over my mashed potatoes!(great suggestion!) and I snuck a little more for my steamed carrots. Yum! Will make again!
Kristin Wray Nebhuth says
Excellent dish! Made it tonight with mash potatoes and green beans! Yum!👍
Ronda says
Absolutely delicious! These were the best pork chops and the glaze was was awesome!
Knox says
I made these last night and want to stress the importance of using a thermometer. I trust this site immensely so did it by time but but I had pretty thick bone in chops and they were sadly overcooked.
The sauce was divine and you live and learn.
Peaches says
I’ve never been a big pork chop fan, but this was incredible! My kids and fiancé raved about the sauce and I was pretty impressed myself. Super simple and easy to make. The only thing I did difference was doubled the sauce and I’m so glad I did! This will definitely be a new staple recipe in our house. Thank you!
Peaches says
I should’ve double checked my grammar and spelling before submitting lol
Karen says
Delicious!!!!! Will make again!!
Susan L says
My family doesn’t always like pork recipes but they loved this one! Just caution that if you use thinner chops, sear less time so they don’t dry out. Sauce was delicious. My daughter said I should make this once a week!
MindyT says
Omg… this is the best recipe I’ve ever used!!! Thanks so much. For sharing 🥰