30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops – One Pan Wonder!
Make perfect 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops in one pan! Juicy, caramelized pork chops with sweet glaze. Quick weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes!
What are 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops?
30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops are tender, juicy pork chops cooked in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the pan. This one-pan wonder combines the perfect balance of brown sugar, garlic, and seasonings to create a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. The pork chops develop a gorgeous golden crust while staying incredibly moist inside, making this the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners when you want something special without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- One Pan Cooking: Minimal cleanup required
- Family-Friendly: Sweet glaze appeals to kids and adults
- Restaurant Quality: Impressive flavors that taste gourmet
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pork chops and pantry staples
- Foolproof Method: Hard to mess up, perfect for beginners
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (3/4 to 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Sesame seeds
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature
- Pat pork chops completely dry with paper towels
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
- Let seasoning sit while you prepare the glaze
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard
- Add minced garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes
- Whisk until smooth and set aside
Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat
- When oil shimmers, carefully add pork chops
- Sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them (for good crust)
- Flip and sear other side for 3-4 minutes
- Pork chops should be golden brown on both sides
Step 4: Add the Glaze
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- Add butter to the pan around the pork chops
- Once butter melts, pour the brown sugar mixture over the pork chops
- The mixture will bubble and start to caramelize
Step 5: Finish Cooking
- Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, spooning glaze over pork chops frequently
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
- The glaze should be thick and glossy
- If glaze gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove from heat and let pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes
- Spoon remaining glaze from pan over pork chops
- Garnish with green onions and fresh thyme
- Serve immediately while hot
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips:
- Room Temperature: Let pork chops sit out 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking
- Dry the Surface: Pat completely dry for better searing and crust formation
- Don’t Move Too Soon: Let pork chops sear undisturbed for proper browning
- Use Meat Thermometer: 145°F internal temperature ensures juicy, safe pork
- Baste Frequently: Spooning glaze over chops builds up beautiful caramelized coating
- Rest Before Serving: Allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness
Recipe Variations:
Honey Garlic Version: Replace brown sugar with honey and add extra garlic
Asian-Inspired: Add ginger, sesame oil, and finish with sesame seeds
Spicy Brown Sugar: Increase red pepper flakes and add a dash of hot sauce
Maple Glazed: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for deeper flavor
Herb-Crusted: Add fresh rosemary and sage to the seasoning mix
Balsamic Brown Sugar: Replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar
Boneless Option: Use boneless pork chops, reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 3-4 days in airtight containers
- Freezer: Freeze cooked pork chops for up to 2 months
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through
- Skillet: Reheat gently over medium-low heat with a splash of broth
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking
Meal Prep:
- Season Ahead: Season pork chops up to 24 hours in advance
- Make Glaze: Prepare glaze up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate
- Batch Cook: Double recipe and use leftovers for lunch bowls
Leftover Ideas:
- Pork Chop Sandwiches: Slice and serve on crusty rolls
- Salad Topper: Slice thin and add to green salads
- Fried Rice: Dice and add to fried rice for extra protein
- Pasta Addition: Slice and toss with pasta and vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What thickness of pork chops works best? A: 3/4 to 1 inch thick chops work best. Thinner chops cook too quickly and can become dry.
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops? A: Yes! Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes and watch temperature carefully as they cook faster.
Q: How do I know when pork chops are done? A: Use a meat thermometer – internal temperature should reach 145°F. Juices should run clear.
Q: What if my glaze gets too thick? A: Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth and stir to thin it out.
Q: Can I make this without brown sugar? A: You can substitute with maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar, but adjust quantities as sweetness levels vary.
Q: Why are my pork chops tough? A: Overcooking is the main cause. Don’t exceed 145°F internal temperature and let them rest after cooking.
Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Yes, but you may need to use two pans to avoid overcrowding, which prevents proper searing.
