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Crispy Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops Skillet Easy Recipe for Perfect Dinner

crispy brown sugar glazed pork chops - featured image

A quick and easy skillet recipe for pork chops glazed with a sweet and savory brown sugar crust, delivering a crispy texture and tender meat inside. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (a few, optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Let the pork chops sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Place the pork chops in the skillet and sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until edges turn golden brown and sugar starts caramelizing.
  6. Flip the pork chops and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar evenly over each chop.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add unsalted butter and apple cider vinegar to the skillet.
  9. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and spoon the glaze over the chops, continuing to glaze for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should read 145°F (63°C). If not, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes per side, glazing often.
  11. Remove the pork chops from heat and transfer to a plate. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  12. Spoon any leftover glaze from the skillet over the chops.
  13. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use medium-high heat for searing and reduce to medium-low for glazing to prevent burning the sugar. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Rest meat before serving to keep it juicy. If glaze burns, lower heat immediately. For dairy-free, skip butter and use olive oil instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, brown sugar glaze, skillet recipe, quick dinner, crispy pork chops, easy pork recipe, weeknight meal, caramelized pork