Here’s a Delicious Brown Sugar Pork Chops recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners. The brown sugar creates a sweet, caramelized crust while balancing beautifully with savory seasonings — juicy, tender, and packed with flavor!
🐷 Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Total Time: ~30 minutes
🔥 Flavor: Sweet, savory, and slightly smoky
📝 Ingredients
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (¾ to 1 inch thick)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
✅ Tip: Use bone-in chops for more flavor and moisture, or boneless for quicker cooking.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Pork Chops
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Rub the seasoning mix generously over both sides of each pork chop.
2. Sear the Chops
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and caramelized.
- Don’t move them too much — let the brown sugar form a crust.
3. Finish Cooking
- Reduce heat slightly and continue cooking for another 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness, or until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Optionally, cover with a lid to retain moisture.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
4. Serve
Serve hot with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted veggies
- Cornbread
- Or a crisp green salad
🍯 Want more sauce? Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or apple cider and stir in a little extra brown sugar and butter for a simple glaze.
🧠 FAQs
❓ Can I bake them instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes (depending on thickness), flipping once. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
❓ Can I grill them?
Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with extra brown sugar mixture halfway through.
❓ What if my pork chops are dry?
Be sure not to overcook — pull them at 145°F and rest them so juices redistribute. Thicker chops stay juicier.
❓ Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce to the seasoning rub
Would you like a printable recipe card, slow cooker version, or a garlic-butter pan sauce to drizzle on top?