Sticky Honey Garlic Pork Chops (Quick & Easy) Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the glaze along with the honey.

This adds a bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the pork chops, creating a more complex flavor profile.

If you want a thicker glaze, remove the pork chops from the skillet once they are cooked through and let them rest on a plate.

Keep simmering the honey garlic sauce in the skillet over medium heat for an additional minute or two until it reduces to your desired thickness, then pour it over the rested chops.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Pork: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the honey mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Soy Honey Garlic Pork: Stir in a tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce with the honey to add a deep umami flavor and rich color.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze, until warmed through to 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftover honey garlic pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the remaining glaze with the chops to help keep them moist during storage and reheating.

Ensure the pork chops have cooled completely, but for no more than two hours at room temperature, before placing them in the refrigerator.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Mince the garlic and portion out the honey up to a day in advance.

You can also pat the pork chops dry and keep them covered in the refrigerator, but let them sit at room temperature for twenty minutes before cooking.

Serving ideas

Serve these glistening honey garlic pork chops alongside roasted green vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. The vibrant green color contrasts beautifully with the golden-brown glaze, and the vegetables provide a fresh, crisp texture that balances the rich, sticky sauce.

A bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes is perfect for soaking up the extra honey garlic glaze from the skillet. Spoon the warm sauce generously over both the pork chops and the side dishes to tie the entire meal together beautifully.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Sticky Honey Garlic Pork Chops (Quick & Easy)

Prep 10 minCook 10 minRest 3 minTotal 23 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Removing excess moisture from the surface of the meat is key to achieving a deep, golden-brown crust in the skillet.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the pork chops in the skillet and sear without moving them for four to five minutes, or until a deep golden crust forms on the bottom. Flip the chops and sear the other side for another three minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring constantly for about thirty seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour the honey over and around the pork chops, allowing it to mix with the garlic and pan juices to form a bubbling glaze.
4. Add the fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet. Use a large spoon to continuously baste the pork chops with the bubbling honey garlic glaze. Cook and baste for another two to three minutes, until the glaze is thick and sticky, and the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Transfer the chops to a warm plate and let them rest for at least 3 minutes.
5. Allow the pork chops to rest for at least three minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy bite. Spoon the remaining warm glaze from the skillet over the pork chops and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

21 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

0.2 g

Sugar

19.5 g

Sodium

620 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.