Juicy Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe to Savor

Pork chops find their perfect match in a luscious brown sugar marinade that promises pure culinary magic.

These tender cuts of meat soak up a delightful sweetness that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of caramelized richness and savory depth.

The brown sugar chops recipe brings a simple yet elegant touch to your weeknight meals.

Succulent and juicy, these chops will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Serve them hot and watch as your dining companions fall in love with this irresistible dish that marries sweet and savory flavors effortlessly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Delicious Brown Sugar Chops

• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness and helps create a gorgeous golden crust.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the pork's natural richness.
• Garlic Powder: Provides intense, concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Onion Powder: Adds subtle, savory depth to the spice blend.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a gentle heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances all the other flavor notes.
• Black Pepper: Brings a classic, warming spiciness to the meat.

• Olive Oil: Creates a perfect searing surface with a hint of fruity undertone.
• Butter: Offers rich, golden browning and adds luxurious flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds extra savory dimension.
• Apple Juice: Provides a subtle fruity sweetness that complements the pork.

Tools That Make Delicious Brown Sugar Chops Simple To Prep

• Large skillet: Essential for searing and cooking pork chops evenly with perfect golden-brown crust.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the delicious seasoning blend of brown sugar and spices.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking pork's internal temperature and ensuring safe, juicy cooking.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chops and handling meat safely during cooking process.
• Measuring spoons: Needed for accurately measuring spices and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and scraping browned bits when deglazing skillet.

How To Cook Delicious Brown Sugar Chops From Scratch

• Flavor Fusion

Create a tantalizing spice blend using brown sugar and aromatic seasonings that will transform ordinary pork chops into a culinary masterpiece.

• Sizzling Preparation

Heat a skillet with a touch of olive oil until it’s hot and ready to caramelize the meat, creating a golden exterior that locks in juicy goodness.

• Perfect Sear

Place the seasoned pork chops into the skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized crust that seals in incredible flavor and moisture.

• Tender Completion

Lower the heat and cover the skillet, gently cooking the chops until they reach a perfect internal temperature that ensures succulence and safety.

• Resting Magic

Remove the chops from heat and let them rest, allowing the delicious juices to redistribute and create an incredibly tender eating experience.

• Flavor Finale

Optional: Create a quick pan sauce by deglazing with chicken broth, capturing all the delectable browned bits for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Tweak Delicious Brown Sugar Chops With Extra Flavor

• Temperature Perfection: Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding overcooking which can make pork tough and dry.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Let seasoned chops sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help spices penetrate and promote even cooking.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptation: For low-carb diets, replace brown sugar with monk sweetener or omit sugar entirely, using smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Protein Swap Option: This delicious spice blend works wonderfully with chicken breasts or turkey cutlets for versatile meal preparation.

Serve Delicious Brown Sugar Chops With Your Favorite Sides

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair these brown sugar chops with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced, mouthwatering meal that combines sweet and savory notes.
• Rustic Comfort Combo: Serve alongside warm cornbread or buttery rice pilaf to soak up the delicious pan sauce, creating a hearty dinner experience that feels like a warm hug.
• Fresh Brightness Boost: Top the chops with a quick green apple slaw or fresh herb sprinkle to add crisp texture and cut through the rich, caramelized brown sugar coating, bringing vibrant contrast to each bite.
• Wine Country Companion: Match these chops with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like pinot noir or a crisp hard cider to complement the sweet and smoky flavor profile of the dish.

Keep Delicious Brown Sugar Chops Moist And Tasty

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked brown sugar chops in airtight containers, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap individual portions separately to maintain optimal moisture and prevent flavor mixing.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Gently warm chops in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave using 30-second intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to retain juiciness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze cooled chops in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Frozen chops remain delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare multiple chops during weekend cooking sessions. Slice leftovers for salads, sandwiches, or quick protein additions to grain bowls, maximizing ingredient versatility and saving time during busy weekdays.

Crispy Brown Sugar Chops Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Brown sugar chops promise a delightful culinary journey through sweet and savory flavors. Succulent pork meets caramelized glaze, inviting diners to savor each perfectly seasoned bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
• ¼ cup (60 g) brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, whisking to create a harmonious spice blend.
2. Pork Chop Coating: Thoroughly coat both sides of the pork chops with the prepared spice mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete and even coverage.
3. Skillet Searing: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot pan, searing for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
4. Temperature Management: Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and continue cooking until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145F (63C), guaranteeing juicy and perfectly cooked meat.
5. Resting Phase: Remove chops from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and enhance tenderness.
6. Optional Pan Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth or apple juice, scraping up the flavorful browned bits to create a rich sauce for drizzling over the finished pork chops.
7. Alternative Cooking Method: For oven finishing, transfer the skillet to a preheated 375F (190C) oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to achieve optimal doneness.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose bone-in pork chops around 1-inch thick for juicier, more flavorful results with better caramelization.
• Seasoning Technique: Pat chops completely dry before applying spice mix to ensure maximum spice adherence and perfect crispy exterior.
• Temperature Control: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness and prevent overcooking, which can make pork tough and dry.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow chops to rest exactly 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg