These Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops are sweet, sticky, and super tasty! With a simple blend of honey and garlic, they roast to perfection in the oven.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing? I usually pair these chops with rice or veggies for a hearty meal that feels special without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops give the best flavor and moisture. If you want, you can use boneless chops instead, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.
Honey: For sweetness, honey works wonders. If you’re out, maple syrup or agave syrup can be great alternatives that still provide a nice glaze.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon per clove). It’s not quite the same, but it still works!
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. They provide similar umami without gluten.
Herbs: Thyme or rosemary enhances flavor, but feel free to skip or use whatever you have on hand—Italian seasoning works too!
Veggies: Asparagus is delicious here, but if you can’t find it, green beans or broccoli would be tasty substitutes. Just adjust cooking times for different veggies as needed.
How Do I Get Juicy Pork Chops Every Time?
Getting tender, juicy pork chops is all about the cooking process. Start by patting them dry; this helps create a nice sear and prevents steaming while baking. Make sure to season well and let the honey garlic sauce do its magic without drying out the meat.
- Preheat your oven to the right temperature to ensure evenly cooked pork chops.
- Keep an eye on cooking time, especially with thinner chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for juicy results.
- Let the chops rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute. This step really makes a difference!
Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional for balance)
- 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for veggies)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for veggies)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 10 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for around 25-30 minutes. So, overall, you can expect it to take about 40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer less cleanup, lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with aluminum foil.
2. Create the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, your chosen herbs (if using), and a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This mix will give your pork a fantastic flavor!
3. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Dry the pork chops with paper towels to help them sear nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the greased baking dish.
4. Coat the Pork Chops:
Pour that delicious honey garlic sauce over the pork chops, making sure they are well-coated. Yum!
5. Add the Potatoes:
In a bowl, toss the quartered potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any leftover herbs if you like. Arrange these around the pork chops in the baking dish for some tasty sides!
6. Bake Everything Together:
Put the baking dish in the oven and let it bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a nice internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for the pork chops, and the potatoes should be golden and tender.
7. Include the Asparagus:
With about 10 minutes left, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can add this to the dish with the pork and potatoes, or roast them separately on a baking sheet—either way works great!
8. Broil for Extra Glaze (Optional):
If you want that extra glazed finish on your pork chops, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
9. Rest Before Serving:
Once everything is cooked, take it out of the oven and let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
10. Plate and Enjoy:
Serve the pork chops with the roasted potatoes and asparagus. Don’t forget to spoon any remaining honey garlic sauce from the pan over your chops for that extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy a juicy, flavorful pork chop with a delicious honey garlic glaze, paired perfectly with crisp-tender asparagus and comforting roasted potatoes. It’s a guaranteed hit!
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless pork chops, but keep an eye on the cooking time since they may cook faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for juicy results.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Honey?
No honey? No problem! You can substitute with maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. Just use the same amount, and you’ll still get that delicious glaze.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce and coat the pork chops up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking for even results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
