These easy boneless pork chops are coated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce that makes them extra tasty. They’re juicy, quick to cook, and great for busy nights!
You just sear the chops, toss them in the sauce, and dinner is ready. I love serving these with rice or veggies to soak up that delicious sauce—so good! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Pork Chops: Choose chops that are about 1 inch thick for the best results. If you can’t find boneless, bone-in chops or even chicken breasts work great as a substitute and can be cooked the same way.
Honey: This adds the sweetness in the sauce. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup also works well, though they’ll slightly change the flavor.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for less salt if you’re watching your sodium intake. Coconut aminos can serve as a great gluten-free alternative.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This balances the sweetness. You could swap in white vinegar or even rice vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Just use about 1 teaspoon as a substitute.
How Do You Achieve Juicy Pork Chops?
Cooking pork chops perfectly can be tricky, but here are some tips. The key is to avoid overcooking and to allow them to rest after cooking.
- Always start with dry pork chops—this helps them brown nicely.
- Cook them over medium-high heat until they have a good sear, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer for best results: aim for 145°F (63°C).
- Let the chops rest on a plate for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep them juicy.
Easy Boneless Pork Chops with Honey Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 25 minutes total. You’ll need about 5 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is super important because it helps them get a nice sear. Then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper—don’t be shy!
2. Sear the Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the pork chops in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are beautifully browned and cooked through (you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). When they’re done, transfer the pork chops to a plate and set them aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. If you like a bit of spice, now’s the time to sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes!
5. Coat the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet. Make sure they’re coated well with the honey garlic sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing them to soak up all those yummy flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. If you’d like, garnish the pork chops with fresh rosemary or thyme for an extra touch of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite veggies to savor every bite of that sticky sauce!
FAQ for Easy Boneless Pork Chops with Honey Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen pork chops before cooking. The best way to thaw is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor, but it will still create a delicious sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to help keep them moist while reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add some vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet when you make the sauce. Just give them a few extra minutes to cook and soften before adding the pork chops back in.
