These Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a golden sear locking in the juices and a glossy glaze adding irresistible flavor. The combination of smoky paprika, tangy vinegar, rich brown sugar, and a hint of Dijon mustard creates a depth of taste that elevates a simple cut of pork into a restaurant-worthy dish.
Best of all, this meal comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing quality. Serve these chops alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad for a complete dinner that’s sure to impress. The glaze doubles as a sauce, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as the last.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 bone-in thick cut pork chops (at least 1-inch thick)
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons smoked paprika
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1 ½ teaspoons salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Olive oil, for searing
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3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
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3 teaspoons soy sauce
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3 tablespoons brown sugar
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3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Directions:
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Pat pork chops dry with a clean kitchen towel.
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In a shallow dish, combine flour, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge all sides of the pork chops in the seasoned flour.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear pork chops for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Sear edges as well.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook 6–10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
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Turn heat to medium and add white wine vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Whisk until smooth and bring to a boil.
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Return pork chops to the pan, coating both sides in the glaze. Cook for 1 more minute, turning to coat evenly.
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Serve hot with extra glaze drizzled over the top.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: ~320 kcal | Servings: 4
Four Ingredient Glaze for Pork Chops
Part of the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Despite using only a few ingredients, it delivers an incredible punch of flavor. Before even getting to the glaze, the pork chops are seasoned and dredged in a flavorful mixture of flour, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. This seasoning blend enhances the natural flavor of the meat and contributes to a rich, brown crust as the chops cook. The glaze itself is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, made with just four ingredients: brown sugar, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. The combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy vinegar, with the sharpness of Dijon and the umami depth of soy sauce, creates a glaze that is both complex and comforting. A whisk is essential here to fully dissolve the brown sugar and mustard, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish that coats the pork beautifully.
How to Cook Thick Cut Pork Chops
Pork chops can be prepared in many ways, but the method in this recipe is one of the easiest and most reliable for achieving moist, flavorful results. The process starts with searing the chops over medium-high heat. It’s crucial not to flip the chops too soon—give them at least two minutes per side without touching them, which allows a deep golden crust to develop. This searing step is more than just about flavor; it also locks in juices. Once both sides are seared, the heat is reduced to medium-low, and the pan is covered with a lid. This creates a steamy environment inside the pan, allowing the pork to cook gently and evenly without drying out. While some cooks prefer to transfer the pan to a 375ºF oven at this stage, stovetop cooking is faster and just as effective, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Glazed Pork Chops
When the pork chops are fully cooked—meaning they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF on an instant-read thermometer—they are removed from the pan and tented loosely with foil to rest. This resting step allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, keeping each bite moist. Meanwhile, the glaze is prepared in the same pan, taking advantage of the flavorful browned bits left behind from the searing process. The glaze comes together quickly, as the white wine vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard are whisked together and brought to a boil. Once the mixture is smooth and glossy, the pork chops are returned to the pan and turned several times to coat them evenly in the luscious glaze. Just another minute or so in the pan ensures the glaze clings perfectly, creating a sticky, flavorful finish.
Air Fryer Pork Chops
For those who prefer to avoid the stovetop, this recipe can be adapted for the air fryer. While the air fryer method may not produce as deep a sear as the skillet, it still yields a tender, flavorful result. The chops are dredged with the seasoned flour as usual, then spritzed with oil on all sides. They are air-fried at 400ºF for about 10 minutes, with a flip halfway through. While the chops are cooking, the glaze is prepared separately on the stovetop. Once the chops are nearly done, the glaze is brushed onto them, and they are returned to the air fryer for another two minutes, flipped and glazed again halfway through. The result is a slightly different texture but the same sweet-and-savory flavor combination that makes this dish so irresistible.
Featured Cooking Techniques
This recipe also highlights some essential cooking techniques that can be applied to many dishes beyond pork chops. First, the importance of choosing the right thickness of meat for the desired cooking method cannot be overstated. Thicker cuts not only stay juicier but also allow for better browning. Second, the dredging of meat in a seasoned flour mixture is a classic technique that adds both flavor and texture while helping to form a crust. Finally, the method of creating a pan sauce or glaze directly in the same skillet used for searing the meat maximizes flavor by incorporating the caramelized bits left in the pan. These are universal skills that every home cook can benefit from mastering.
Flavor Profile and Pairing Ideas
The flavor profile of this dish is both rich and balanced. The brown sugar brings sweetness, the vinegar adds a bright acidity, the Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy kick, and the soy sauce offers savory umami depth. Smoked paprika in the seasoning mix adds a subtle smokiness that complements the sweet glaze beautifully. This combination makes the dish versatile when it comes to side pairings. It pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or rice to soak up the glaze. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or carrots add freshness and contrast to the richness of the pork. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing balance to the meal.
Tips for Success
To ensure the best results, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Start by patting the pork chops dry before dredging them in the seasoned flour—this helps the coating adhere better and promotes even browning. When searing, resist the urge to move the chops around too early; let them develop a crust undisturbed. Always check the internal temperature with a reliable instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. If using thin pork chops, reduce cooking time accordingly to keep them moist. Finally, don’t skip resting the meat before glazing—it makes a significant difference in juiciness.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a perfect example of how a few well-chosen ingredients and simple techniques can produce a dish with big flavor in very little time. It’s approachable for beginners yet satisfying for experienced cooks. By focusing on the quality of the pork chops, using a balanced glaze, and applying proper cooking techniques, it transforms an everyday cut of meat into something special. The stovetop method keeps the process quick and convenient, while the air fryer option offers flexibility for different cooking preferences. The end result is a meal that looks and tastes like it took far more effort than it actually does.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops combine simplicity, speed, and flavor into one satisfying dish. By choosing thick-cut chops and enhancing them with a minimal yet flavorful glaze, this recipe delivers tender, juicy pork with a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. The stovetop method ensures quick cooking without sacrificing quality, while the air fryer alternative offers versatility. Whether served for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe proves that a gourmet experience doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. With just a few key techniques and flavors, it’s possible to create a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.