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Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

Name: Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 bone in (thick cut pork chops (about 1 inch thick)); 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp fresh garlic (minced (about 6-8 cloves)); 3 tbsp packed brown sugar (light or dark); ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

Rebecca Hopkins

January 2, 2026

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Ever feel stuck in a weeknight dinner rut, rotating the same few chicken recipes? Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon: Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops. This dish is the perfect solution for when you want a meal that feels special, tastes incredible, and is still on the table in under 30 minutes. We’re talking about juicy, thick cut pork chops seared to golden perfection and then baked in a magical, glossy sauce that’s the ultimate sweet savory duo.

Imagine the richness of melted butter and fresh garlic, the deep caramel notes of brown sugar, and just a hint of warmth from red pepper flakes, all coming together to create a sauce you’ll want to put on everything. It’s a simple, one pan wonder that delivers restaurant quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Perfect for a busy Tuesday but impressive enough for weekend guests, this recipe is about to become a permanent fixture in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

30 Minutes Start to Finish: From preheating the oven to letting the chops rest, this entire meal is ready in half an hour.
Sweet, Savory, & Perfectly Balanced: The brown sugar caramelizes into a sticky, savory glaze that complements the garlic and pork without being overly sweet.
One Pan Wonder (Mostly!): Everything cooks in a single oven safe skillet, which means incredible flavor and minimal dishes to wash.
Foolproof & Juicy Results: Using a meat thermometer to cook the chops to the perfect 145°F internal temperature guarantees juicy, tender meat every single time; no more dry pork chops!
Endlessly Adaptable: Serve it with mashed potatoes to soak up the amazing sauce, over rice, or with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

Let’s Make Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

This recipe uses a simple two step cooking method: sear on the stovetop for a flavorful crust, then finish in the oven for even, gentle cooking. The key is building the irresistible sauce right in the same pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 bone in, thick cut pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or another high heat oil like avocado or canola)
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
3 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced (about 6-8 cloves)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar (light or dark)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step by Step Instructions

1Prep and Preheat: Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear! Season both sides generously with the salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2Sear to Perfection: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, oven safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the pork chops. Sear, without moving them, for 3 minutes to develop a beautiful golden brown crust. Flip and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Transfer the chops to a plate. They will not be fully cooked yet.

3Create the Magic Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is bubbly, fragrant, and the sugar has dissolved into a glossy sauce.

4Bake to Juicy Perfection: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Carefully transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chop reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant read thermometer.

5Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven (remember, the handle is hot!). Transfer the pork chops to a clean plate or cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with the delicious pan sauce spooned over the top.

Pro Tips for the Best Pork Chops

Bring Meat to Room Temp: Let the pork chops sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a skillet large enough so the chops aren’t touching. This ensures proper searing and browning.
The Thermometer is Non Negotiable: For perfectly juicy pork, a digital meat thermometer is your best friend. Cook to 145°F, then let rest.
No Oven Safe Skillet? No problem! After making the sauce in your regular skillet, transfer the chops and sauce to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
Thinner Chops? If using thinner chops (½ inch), you can often skip the oven step. Just sear them for 2-3 minutes per side in the skillet and cook the sauce with them until they reach 145°F.

This Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops recipe is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a guaranteed way to make everyone at the table happy. I hope it becomes a cherished favorite in your home!