Name: Brown Sugar Pork Chops - Quick and Easy Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Some nights, I want dinner to practically cook itself. And on those nights, these brown sugar pork chops are my secret weapon. They’ve got that golden, sticky-sweet crust with just enough garlic to keep things interesting—and maybe keep the vampires away. What I love most? You don’t need a culinary degree or a mile-long list of ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes. Boom, dinner’s done. This one’s great for date night at home or when you’re feeding picky eaters who suddenly become pork fans. If you’re into easy pork chop recipes, or you’ve Googled things like quick dinner recipes or crockpot brown sugar pork chops in a panic, trust me—this one’s got you covered.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe
3) Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pork Chops
4) How to Make Brown Sugar Pork Chops
5) Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pork Chops
6) Making Brown Sugar Pork Chops Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Brown Sugar Pork Chops
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Brown Sugar Pork Chops
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Brown Sugar Pork Chops hit that perfect balance between sweet and savory. This is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights when you want something quick and homemade without getting fancy. They’re seared to get that golden crust, finished in the oven to keep the inside tender, and seasoned with just enough garlic and brown sugar to make you question why you ever bothered with any other pork recipe.

They work great for meal prep too. I’ve made them on a Monday, tucked the leftovers in the fridge, and happily eaten them all week. They pair with anything—roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even a quick side salad when you’re pretending to be healthy. The ingredients are simple, and the process is foolproof. Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—these chops are packed with flavor.

So if you’re searching for easy pork chop recipes or wondering how to please picky eaters without spending all night in the kitchen, this one’s for you. You’ll be amazed what a little brown sugar and a hot skillet can do.

2) Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe

There are nights when the thought of peeling another potato or washing another mountain of dishes makes me want to order pizza and call it a day. But then I remember these pork chops. They’re my “I still cooked dinner” badge of honor without the usual fuss. The main keyword “Brown Sugar Pork Chops” deserves all the praise it gets because this dish is delicious, fast, and surprisingly kind to your grocery budget.

What makes them special? That sweet, sticky layer from the brown sugar starts to caramelize in the skillet, mingling with garlic and paprika, and creates a crust that tastes like you spent way more time than you did. The inside stays juicy. Not dry, not chewy—just juicy. We’re talking about a 30-minute turnaround that tastes like an hour.

This easy pork chop recipe is one of those “set it and forget it” types once it hits the oven. And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably already dreaming about pairing it with those crispy skillet potatoes or buttery green beans. Trust me, you won’t miss the takeout.

3) Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops: These are the stars of the show. I like mine thick enough to hold their own in the skillet, but not so thick that they take forever to cook. The bone keeps them flavorful and juicy.

Olive oil: This is your best friend when you want a golden crust. A little oil goes a long way, especially when you’re searing meat to lock in all that flavor.

Brown sugar: Here’s where the magic happens. It’s not just for cookies. The sugar melts and caramelizes, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory seasonings and makes your kitchen smell amazing.

Garlic (minced): You know it. You love it. Garlic adds a sharp, earthy bite that cuts through the sweetness and brings everything together.

Paprika: This spice adds just a hint of smokiness and color. It’s the unsung hero of a good pork chop rub.

Salt and pepper: No need to explain. These pantry basics are what keep the rest of the ingredients from falling flat.

4) How to Make Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. I always forget until the last minute, so I’m telling you now: get it going early.

Step 2. Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown, not steam, which is key for that irresistible crust.

Step 3. Mix your brown sugar, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub that glorious mixture all over your pork chops like you mean it.

Step 4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and sizzling.

Step 5. Slide that skillet right into the oven. Bake the chops for 10 to 12 minutes or until they reach an internal temp of 145°F. Use a thermometer if you want to avoid guessing.

Step 6. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. I know it’s hard, but don’t skip it. It helps the juices stay where they belong—in the meat, not on your plate.

5) Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pork Chops

If you’re like me and get a little heavy-handed with the seasonings, try not to overdo the brown sugar. A thin layer is enough to create that crispy-sweet coating without burning. Too much sugar and you’ll be scrubbing a skillet for days.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give the chops space to sear. When they’re too close, they’ll steam and turn pale instead of crisp. We want golden, not gray.

For extra tenderness, you can marinate the pork chops for an hour in the spice rub before cooking. I only do this when I’ve actually planned ahead (which, let’s be honest, isn’t often).

6) Making Brown Sugar Pork Chops Ahead of Time

Planning ahead sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? If you’ve got a busy week, these brown sugar pork chops are a great prep-ahead meal. Season them and store them in the fridge overnight. The spices sink in, and the garlic gets even more flavorful.

You can even sear them ahead of time and stash the skillet in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake like normal. It’s like you cooked from scratch—but didn’t.

These are especially handy when you’ve got guests coming over and want to look like you have it all together. You don’t need to tell them you prepped the night before while wearing pajamas and eating cereal.

7) Storing Leftover Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Let’s talk leftovers. Store the pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat to keep the outside from getting too tough.

You can also slice them and throw them over a salad, tuck them into a sandwich, or serve them with rice and veggies for lunch. They’re versatile like that.

If you’re freezing them, wrap them individually in foil or freezer bags. They’ll last about two months. When it’s time to reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm them in the oven.

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9) Brown Sugar Pork Chops