Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (2024)

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$6.87 recipe / $1.72 serving

by Beth - Budget Bytes

published updated

4.71 from 223 votes

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Pork chops get a bad rap because most pork chop recipes result in dry, tough, hockey-puck-like pieces of meat thatno one gets excited about. Butthese Glazed Pork Chops are different. They’re tender, juicy, and done in just a few minutes, which makes them perfect for weeknight dinners. What’s the secret? Cooking fast and coating the pork chops in a smoky, spicy, sugar glaze, which helps hold in the moisture. So you can stop looking. You’ve found the last pork chop recipe you’ll need!

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (2)

It’s All About the Spice Rub…

For these glazed pork chops, I made a basic rub out of brown sugar, garlic, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and a little salt for good measure. This rub is super easy, FULL of flavor, and naturally creates a sticky sweet glaze in the pan. This awesome rub works equally as well on chicken!

What is the Best Pork Cut?

I find this recipe works best with center cut boneless pork chops that are between 1/2 to 1-inch thick. Thin-cut pork chops will cook too quickly and will likely dry out. Bone-in pork chops take much longer to cook, and the glaze may burn by the time the chops cook through. So, stick to center-cut boneless for best results! You can also do something similar with pre-cooked ham steaks. See my Glazed Ham Steaks recipe for reference.

What to Serve with Glazed Pork Chops

Pork chops are a classic comfort food, so comfort food side dishes are a natural match. Comfort food recipes like Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Green Bean Casserole, Fried Cabbage, or Mustard Greens would be awesome. If you want to go with something lighter, Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes would be great, as would Roasted Broccoli, Honey Mustard Broccoli Salad, Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad, or even an Apple Dijon, and Kale Salad.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (3)

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pork Chops

4.71 from 223 votes

These juicy Glazed Pork Chops are sweet, salty, and a little spicy. The sugar glaze helps keep the chops moist and tender!

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (4)

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (5) Servings 4

Prep 10 minutes mins

Cook 15 minutes mins

Total 25 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar ($0.12)
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp salt ($0.05)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper ($0.05)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.32)
  • 4 thick cut boneless pork chops ($5.97)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

  • Remove the pork chops from their package and rub the seasoning mixture over all sides of each chop. The moisture from the meat will help the seasoning to adhere to the surface.

  • Heat olive oil in a large, oven­-safe skillet over a medium flame. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the pork chops. Cook the chops for about 5 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.

  • If your chops are greater than one-inch thick, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven for another 5­-10 minutes to finish cooking. Test the chops with a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached 145ºF. Cook longer if needed.

  • Dredge the chops through the thick sauce in the bottom of the pan just before serving.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 401.6kcalCarbohydrates: 14.05gProtein: 40.08gFat: 19.65gSodium: 448.28mgFiber: 0.2g

Read our full nutrition disclaimer here.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (6) Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!

Video

Look at that juicy, glazed goodness… 🤤

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (7)

Check out this glaze used with chicken in my Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs.

How to Make Glazed Pork Chops – Step By Step Photos

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (8)
In a small bowl stir together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and some freshly cracked pepper.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (9)
Rub the spice mix over both sides of four thick-cut boneless pork chops. The moisture from the meat will dissolve the sugar and help the spices adhere to the surface.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (10)
Heat 2 Tbspolive oil in a skillet over medium heat until the oil is shimmering. Place the chops in the pan and cook on each side for about 5 minutes or until browned.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (11)
Depending on the thickness of the chops, you may need to transfer the skillet to the oven (only if using an oven-safe skillet) to finish cooking. These chops were about an inch thick and were cooked through once browned on both sides. Any thicker and you may need to finish in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes to make sure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (12)

Dredge the chops in the glaze that has formed in the skillet before serving. You can also tilt the skillet and scoop it up with a spoon, then drizzle it over the chops.

😍😍😍These glazed pork chops have me mesmerized!

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (13)

I added a little chopped parsley just for kicks (or color, actually), but it’s not necessary.

Glazed Pork Chops Recipe - Budget Bytes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to moist pork chops? ›

Fat is key to keeping pork chops moist

Basting them with fat, such as butter. Add in aromatics while basting for more flavor — similar to how you might cook a steak — and then you have the added bonus of browned butter and crispy garlic and/or herbs to serve with the meat.

Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops? ›

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

How many pounds of pork chops do I need for 5 people? ›

When cooking something like steak, turkey or pork, where meat is the main dish of the meal and paired with a few side dishes, we recommend about 1/2 pound (eight ounces) per person, or up to 3/4 (12 ounces) pound for bigger appetites and those who love leftovers.

How many pork chops is 3 pounds? ›

A 3 pound pork loin can be cut into 10 pork chops of equal weight.

What does cornstarch do to pork chops? ›

A dredge in a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch increases the ability for the pork chop to crisp, followed by a quick dip in an egg wash means the panko breadcrumbs will adhere easily.

What liquid should I cook pork in? ›

Apple cider vinegar: Adds a little tanginess and helps to tenderize the pork. Without it, the pork tastes flat. Adding the vinegar wakes everything up. Fish sauce or Worcestershire: Seasons our cooking liquid and adds a nice burts of umami, which makes the pulled pork even more delicious.

Should I cook pork chops in butter or oil? ›

Butter, with its luxurious richness and distinctive nutty flavor, is a classic choice for frying pork chops, whether they are breaded or not. As the butter melts and sputters in the pan, it imparts a depth of flavor to the dish.

Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400? ›

If you pick boneless just make sure you watch the pork chops so they don't overcook. I find that boneless pork chops can cook quicker and become dry easier. I suggest you cook them around the 375 degree temperature or even 400 for a crispier skin.

Is it better to bake pork chops covered or uncovered? ›

Some baked pork chop recipes do require that the pan is covered with either foil or a lid. It creates steam and ensures that the meat is tender and juicy.

How long to cook pork chops in the oven at 350 degrees? ›

Directions
  1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). ...
  2. Place pork chops in a baking pan. ...
  3. Season each chop with seasoning salt, garlic powder, and parsley. ...
  4. Bake in the preheated oven until pork is slightly pink in the center, about 35 minutes.
Aug 30, 2023

How many people does 1lb of pork feed? ›

How many people does a pound of pork feed? Well, it depends on the person, but on average 3-5 people.

How many people will 7 pounds of pork feed? ›

Generally speaking, I would portion about 1/2–3/4 lbs. of pork per person depending on what else is being served.

What is a good price for pork chops? ›

While the cost of pork chops (center cut, bone-in) has fluctuated over the past few decades, the average price has been closer to the four-dollar mark in recent years and was closer to the three U.S. dollars per pound in the 90s and early 2000s.

How to prep pork chops? ›

Twenty minutes before you start cooking, remove 4 (1-inch thick) bone-in pork chops from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 400 F. Thoroughly dry the pork chops with paper towels. Season to taste with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper.

What does 3 oz of pork chops look like? ›

3 oz meat portion is similar in size to a deck of cards 1 oz of cooked meat is similar in size to 3 dice. 1-inch meatball is about 1 oz. 4 oz of raw, lean meat is about 3 oz after cooking.

How do I make sure my pork chops don't dry out? ›

Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop. Even a quick 30-minute brine (or up to four hours) makes a big difference.

What is the best way to cook pork chops so they are not dry? ›

High-heat frying sears them to a golden brown; and a moderately hot oven (400 degrees F) bakes the pork chops gently enough to keep them from drying out. This "sear-roasting" method is a great way to cook pork chops in the oven: Fry one side to golden brown, then flip, and place the chops directly in the oven.

How do you keep pork chops from drying out? ›

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy ...

How do you make pork soft and tender? ›

How do you make pork soft and tender? Soak your pork in a salt-based brine before cooking it using your desired method. Pork chops need to soak between 12–24 hours, an entire pork tenderloin needs to soak for 6–12 hours, and an entire pork loin requires 2–4 days of soaking.

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