These Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops are a real treat! With a sweet and tangy sauce made from honey and garlic, they’re super tasty and don’t require much fuss in the kitchen.
Honestly, the smell alone makes dinner even better! I love serving them with some rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. You’ll want to keep this one in your recipe book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops give great flavor and moisture, but boneless can work too! If you’re looking for a leaner option, you might consider using chicken breasts instead.
Honey: This ingredient brings the sweet element. If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup as a swap, or even brown sugar dissolved in water for a similar sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but start with less since it’s more concentrated.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tang! You can substitute with white vinegar or even lemon juice if needed. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll work well.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Getting pork chops just right can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure they’re juicy and flavorful:
- Start with pork chops that are at room temperature. Take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
- Season well with salt and pepper, as this enhances the natural flavor of the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. 145°F (63°C) is perfect for juicy pork!
- Let them rest for a few minutes after baking. This lets the juices redistribute, making them tender and tasty.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll serve up pork chops that are sure to impress! Enjoy your meal with those crispy potatoes and fresh asparagus for a complete dinner!
Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 pound potatoes, sliced into wedges
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Additional olive oil for vegetables
- Salt and pepper for vegetables
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 35-40 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your meal in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your dish goes in. Lightly grease a baking dish with some oil or line a sheet pan with foil for easy clean-up.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops out of the fridge and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear later. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika to give them flavor.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This sweet and savory sauce will make the pork chops extra delicious!
4. Coat the Pork Chops:
Place the seasoned pork chops in the prepared baking dish. Brush both sides of the chops with half of the honey garlic sauce. Don’t be shy—this sauce is what makes everything tasty!
5. Add the Potatoes:
Arrange the sliced potatoes around the pork chops in the dish. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and season with additional salt, pepper, and the optional dried thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
6. Bake the Pork Chops:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. This allows the pork chops to start cooking and the flavors to blend.
7. Turn the Chops:
After 20 minutes, carefully take the baking dish out of the oven. Turn the pork chops over and brush the remaining honey garlic sauce on top. This ensures both sides are full of flavor!
8. Add the Asparagus:
Next, toss the trimmed asparagus with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the asparagus to the baking dish alongside the pork chops and potatoes.
9. Finish Baking:
Return everything to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), the potatoes should be golden and tender, and the asparagus should be bright and crisp.
10. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
11. Make it Plate-Worthy:
Serve the delicious pork chops alongside the roasted potatoes and asparagus. Drizzle some extra honey garlic sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy a perfectly balanced meal of savory, sweet, and garlicky pork chops with crispy potatoes and vibrant roasted asparagus. Yours is sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used, but keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for doneness.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re out of honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweet alternative. Alternatively, mix brown sugar with a little water for a similar sweetness.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Prep This Meal in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pork chops with the marinade a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
