These Brown Sugar Pork Chops deliver the perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and savory depth. Tender, juicy pork chops are seared to golden perfection, then glazed in a rich, glossy sauce made with brown sugar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed, one-pan dinner that feels fancy but comes together faster than takeout—perfect for busy weeknights or an easy special meal.
Ingredients
4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ cup chicken broth (or water)
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – optional)
Instructions
Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper (and paprika if using).
Sear the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
Remove the pork chops from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Stir in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Simmer and Glaze
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning once, until the pork chops are cooked through and the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Finish and Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Serving Tips
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables
Spoon extra sauce over the pork for maximum flavor
Pair with a simple green salad for balanc