Pan-Fried Pork Chops With Honey Garlic Sauce: Quick and Seriously Satisfying!

Weeknight dinners just got a first-class ticket to flavor town. These pan-fried pork chops are bathed in a sticky-sweet garlic sauce that’s nothing short of out of this world. Seasoned and seared to a beautiful crust, the pork chops soak up a quick pan sauce made with honey, garlic, and apple vinegar.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself and your fork, this dish proves that speed and elegance can go hand in hand. It is easy to prepare and you can serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for dinner.

What Are Honey Garlic Pan-Fried Pork Chops?

Honey garlic pan-fried pork chops combine sweet and savory flavors using ingredients like garlic, honey, and vinegar. While pork chops have long been popular in Western cuisine, the honey-garlic sauce draws influence from both Asian and Western cooking traditions.

Garlic and honey have been used for centuries to enhance the taste of meats, and over time, the combination became a favored way to glaze pork. This dish is now a popular choice for quick, flavorful meals, offering a balanced taste and a rich, satisfying sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Pork Chops

• Choose the right cut. Bone-in pork chops bring more flavor and stay juicier, but boneless work beautifully too.
• Fry in batches if needed, because overcrowding steams the meat and robs it of that golden sear.
• Once you remove the chops from the heat, let them sit for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in.
• Crust is key and a proper sear gives texture and locks in flavor. High heat for a short time is your best friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know When Pork Chops Are Done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and the pork should hit 145°F (63°C) internally. Don’t have one? Cut near the bone, the juices should run clear and the center should be pale, not pink.

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breast fillets will also taste amazing with this sauce, just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.

Why Are My Pork Chops Tough?

Overcooking is the usual culprit. Pork chops cook quickly, so once they hit the right temp, remove them from the heat immediately.

Can I Make the Sauce Spicy?

Yes! Add a pinch of chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for a sweet-heat kick.

What Can I Serve With These Pork Chops?

Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or even a crisp green salad. Anything that helps scoop up that sauce!

Can I Freeze Honey Garlic Pork Chops?

Yes and for best results, freeze them for up to 2 months after they’ve been cooked and cooled. To reheat, thaw in the fridge and gently warm in a pan with a splash of water.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to 3 days, just reheat in a skillet over low heat to preserve moisture. However, don’t use a microwave unless you like rubbery pork.

How to Make Honey Garlic Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Step 1

Step 1

Place your pork chops on a cutting board and give them a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Pat them gently to make sure the seasoning sticks.

Place your pork chops on a cutting board and give them a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Pat them gently to make sure the seasoning sticks.

Step 2

Step 2

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for a couple of minutes per side, or until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for a couple of minutes per side, or until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

Step 3

In the same pan, toss in the butter and minced garlic, and let the garlic sizzle for about a minute. Add the honey, water, apple vinegar, stir and let it cook until the sauce thickens.

In the same pan, toss in the butter and minced garlic, and let the garlic sizzle for about a minute. Add the honey, water, apple vinegar, stir and let it cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 4

Step 4

Return the pork chops to the pan, turning them in the sauce so they soak up every drop, and let them simmer for 2–3 more minutes.

Return the pork chops to the pan, turning them in the sauce so they soak up every drop, and let them simmer for 2–3 more minutes.

Step 5

Step 5

Transfer to a serving dish and pour the remaining sauce over the top.

Transfer to a serving dish and pour the remaining sauce over the top.

Step 6

Step 6

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and enjoy.

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and enjoy.