Honey Glazed Pork Chops have never been on my radar. I have never been able to eat pork because of the high sodium nitrate and preservative level. But since finding Smithfield products that are MSG and nitrate free, I have been able to enjoy pig products without an allergic reaction. Hallelujah! Can you imagine how hard it is to cook bacon for someone and not be able to take a bite? That’s got to be a small form of torture somewhere. Anyway, honey glazed pork chops are one of my new favorite meals because they’re quick, light, and delicious. Let me show you how you can have these on your plate in 20 minutes:
The Honey Glaze
This glaze is so yummy and smooth! Simply stir 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons of soy sauce in a small bowl. You can also shake them up in a mason jar and keep it in the fridge for later.
The Pork Chops
Grab 4 or 5 boneless pork chops and sprinkle both sides with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure the pork chops are about the same thickness (1 inch max) so that they will cook evenly in the skillet. This step can also be done ahead of time and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Cooking the Honey Glazed Pork Chops
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat. Heat the oil for a minute so it is nice and hot for the pork chops. Layer the pork chops in the pan and cook on one side for 3-4 minutes. Flip them and sear for another 3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the honey glaze. Scrape all the little brown bits off the bottom of the skillet with a spatula while the honey glazed pork chops cook through. It will take about 4-5 minutes. Pork is extremely easy to overcook so be mindful of the time. Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees but they continue to cook once removed from the heat. Therefore, remove the honey glazed pork chops just before they’re done (about 135 degrees or so) and they won’t be too tough or chewy.
Let the glaze continue to simmer while the pork is cooling. It should thicken up a bit, like the consistency of maple syrup.
I like to pour the glaze over the pork chop so I can admire the shimmer, but my husband likes to put it on the side and dip his pork chops inside. Hey, who cares how you eat it?! All that matters is that this glaze tastes awesome!
I served my honey glazed pork chops with some Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce I prepared a few days prior. This is a delicious side that tastes great both hot and cold. My husband even uses it as an ice cream topping! Also pictured is a simple green salad with Italian Basil Dressing. For more easy dinner ideas, you’ll want to check out my 20 Minute Meals and follow my Pinterest boards. If you make this recipe, please let me know what you think of it in the comment section below. Happy cooking y’all!
20 Minute Honey Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 4-5 boneless pork chops no more than 1 inch thick
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk or shake the first 4 ingredients together in a small bowl or jar.
- Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook pork chops 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Add honey glaze and turn down the heat to medium-low and let chops simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Be careful to not let the pork overcook. Remove when pork has internal temp of 135+
- Let the pork sit to reach an internal temp of 145 degrees.
- Continue to let the glaze simmer a few minutes to thicken up.
- Pour glaze over the pork chops and serve immediately.