These easy honey garlic baked pork chops are juicy and full of flavor. The sweet honey combined with garlic makes a tasty glaze that everyone will love!
I love how quick this recipe is. You just mix the ingredients, brush them on the chops, pop them in the oven, and before you know it, dinner is served. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor. If you prefer boneless, that’s fine too! Just keep an eye on cooking time, as they may cook faster.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps with browning. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup is a good alternative, although the flavor will differ slightly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can be used instead, about 1 teaspoon for every clove.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce can be a smart choice if you’re watching sodium intake. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free substitute.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds brightness to the glaze. If you don’t have it, regular white vinegar works well too.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are easy and tasty. You can swap them for sweet potatoes or regular potatoes, but adjust cooking time if using larger ones.
How Do I Get Juicy and Flavorful Pork Chops?
Marinating the pork chops is key for tasty results. Not only does it add flavor, but it also helps keep them moist during cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by patting the pork chops dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick.
- Use a ziplock bag or shallow dish, then pour half of the honey garlic mixture over the chops.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or better—up to an hour.
- Just before cooking, make sure to brush the reserved marinade on the chops for a delicious glaze!
With this method, you’ll ensure juicy and flavored chops that are sure to be a hit at dinner!
Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Olive oil (for vegetables)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for vegetables)
- Fresh or dried rosemary (for potatoes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 25-30 minutes of baking time. With a little marination time (15 minutes to 1 hour), you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This will help catch any drippings from the pork and veggies.
2. Prepare the Marinade/Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. This will be your tasty glaze for the pork chops.
3. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag, then pour about half of the honey garlic mixture over them. Reserve the other half for later. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or if you have time, let them sit in the fridge for up to 1 hour for more flavor.
4. Prepare the Potatoes:
While the pork is marinating, take the quartered baby potatoes and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Spread the potatoes evenly on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
5. Place Pork Chops on the Baking Sheet:
After marinating, take the pork chops out and place them on the baking sheet next to the potatoes. Use a brush to coat the chops with some of the reserved honey garlic sauce for extra flavor.
6. Bake the Chops and Potatoes:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake everything for about 15 minutes. This will start to get the pork and potatoes nice and cooked.
7. Add the Asparagus:
While everything is baking, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. After the 15 minutes, take the baking sheet out of the oven and add the asparagus to the pan. Brush the pork chops again with the reserved honey garlic sauce.
8. Continue Baking:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the pork chops to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the potatoes become golden and tender.
9. Optional Finishing Touch:
If you’re looking for a little extra caramelization, you can broil everything for 1-2 minutes after baking. Just watch closely to prevent burning.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to serve! Plate the pork chops along with the roasted potatoes and asparagus. Don’t forget to spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the pork chops for added flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Your juicy, flavorful honey garlic baked pork chops with tender roasted potatoes and vibrant asparagus are ready to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used, but you’ll want to adjust the cooking time, as they tend to cook faster. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup works quite well in this recipe. It will give a slightly different flavor but still provides the sweetness and moisture needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to help maintain juiciness.
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed since some vegetables may require more or less time to cook.
