Sticky Sweet Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe

Succulent pork chops glazed with brown sugar dance between sweet and savory, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for any dinner.

The caramelized coating brings depth and richness to every tender bite.

Weeknight meals rarely look this impressive or taste this delectable.

This recipe strikes a perfect balance between simple preparation and knockout flavor.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly these pork chops come together with minimal ingredients.

The golden-brown crust promises a delightful crunch that complements the juicy meat underneath.

Dive into this irresistible dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Brown Sugar Pork Chops

• Brown Sugar: Adds delightful caramelized sweetness and helps create a golden crispy exterior.
• Garlic Powder: Provides robust, aromatic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a rich, smoky depth that complements the pork's natural taste.
• Chili Powder: Offers a subtle warmth and gentle kick to the seasoning blend.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavor components.
• Black Pepper: Brings a mild, sharp background note to the spice profile.

• Olive Oil: Creates a perfect searing base with a heart-healthy foundation.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

• Chicken Broth: Helps deglaze the pan, capturing all the delicious caramelized bits and creating a silky sauce.

• Pork Chops: Select fresh, well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness and flavor, preferably bone-in for enhanced juiciness.

Cooking Essentials For Brown Sugar Pork Chops

• Large skillet: Essential for browning and cooking pork chops evenly.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing spices and creating the flavor rub.
• Paper towels: Crucial for patting pork chops dry before seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices for consistent flavor.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and scraping pan drippings.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping and handling pork chops safely during cooking.

Steps To Sear Brown Sugar Pork Chops Just Right

• Seasoning Preparation

Craft a flavor explosion by mixing brown sugar with aromatic spices. Massage this magical blend generously across each pork chop, ensuring every inch is coated with rich, tantalizing seasonings.

• Skillet Magic

Fire up a heavy skillet and welcome olive oil and butter. Let them dance together until the butter turns golden and bubbly. Gently place the seasoned pork chops into this sizzling paradise, allowing each side to transform into a crispy, caramel-kissed masterpiece.

• Sauce Creation

Splash chicken broth into the hot pan, awakening all those delicious browned bits clinging to the bottom. Let the liquid reduce and become a glossy, intense coating that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

• Resting and Serving

Allow the pork chops a moment of peaceful relaxation before presenting them on plates. Drizzle the luscious pan sauce over the top, creating a final flourish that promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Tips For Juicy Brown Sugar Pork Chops

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and juiciness. Thick-cut chops (around 1-inch) work best to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
• Temperature Triumph: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Aim for 145°F internal temperature for juicy, safe-to-eat pork with a slight blush of pink.
• Resting Ritual: Always let pork chops rest after cooking. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and preventing dry, tough results.
• Spice Swap Excitement: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or Mexican-inspired spices to create global flavor profiles while maintaining the brown sugar base.
• Gluten-Free Guarantee: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Double-check chicken broth labels to ensure complete gluten-free compliance.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a keto-friendly version that maintains the caramelized coating.

Best Way To Present Brown Sugar Pork Chops

• Rustic Farmhouse Plating: Serve these golden-brown pork chops on a wooden cutting board with sprigs of fresh rosemary scattered around, creating a rustic, homey presentation that highlights the caramelized exterior.
• Hearty Comfort Meal Companion: Pair the pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables like honey-glazed carrots or garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete, satisfying dinner that balances flavors and textures.
• Southern Sidekick Style: Add a dollop of tangy coleslaw or a small bowl of southern-style baked beans alongside the pork chops to complement the sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, bringing a classic Southern comfort food vibe to the meal.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich, caramelized flavor with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling that enhances the brown sugar's subtle sweetness.

Storage Tips For Brown Sugar Pork Chops Made Simple

• Quick Chill Technique: Transfer freshly cooked pork chops onto a clean plate, allowing them to cool naturally at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before refrigeration to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Wrap individual pork chops tightly in aluminum foil or place in airtight sealed containers, which helps retain moisture and prevents flavor transfer in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Package cooled pork chops in freezer-safe zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. These delicious chops can stay frozen for approximately 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed pork chops in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth, covering briefly to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave with 30-second intervals, checking temperature to maintain juiciness.

Caramelized Brown Sugar Pork Chops

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent brown sugar pork chops deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from Southern cuisine. Home cooks can easily prepare this comforting dish with simple ingredients you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
• 3 tbsps brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a slight kick)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, for extra sauce)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat pork chops completely dry using paper towels to maximize seasoning absorption and enhance crust formation.
2. Seasoning Blend: Whisk brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper into a unified, aromatic spice mixture.
3. Flavor Infusion: Meticulously coat both surfaces of pork chops with the spice blend, pressing gently to ensure deep flavor penetration.
4. Skillet Preheation: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden, bubbling cooking surface.
5. Searing Process: Carefully place seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a caramelized, crisp exterior while maintaining tender interior.
6. Deglazing and Reduction: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping accumulated flavor bits and allowing sauce to simmer and concentrate, periodically basting the pork chops to enhance their glossy, rich coating.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove pork chops from heat, let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices, then drizzle with remaining pan sauce, presenting a succulent and intensely flavored main dish.

Notes

• Moisture Removal: Pat pork chops completely dry before seasoning to create a perfect crispy exterior and help spices stick effectively.
• Spice Blend Balance: Mix dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors across the meat’s surface for consistent taste.
• Heat Management: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown caramelization without burning the sugar-based spice coating, watching skillet temperature carefully.
• Resting Technique: Allow pork chops to rest after cooking to lock in juices and prevent dryness, ensuring tender and succulent meat texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg