Juicy Brown Sugar Bone In Pork Chops

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These juicy brown sugar bone-in pork chops are a flavorful dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes for a delicious meal. This will be your go-to dinner recipe. 

If you’re in search of an easy way to change up weeknight dinners, these brown sugar garlic pork chops are it. The brown sugar sauce adds a sweet and savory twist and the fact the these are bone in, makes the dish even more flavorful.  

Where to Buy Pork Chops

Of course, you can buy your pork chop wherever you’d like. However, the fact that you’re on this blog, reading one of my recipes means that you’ll get more than basic information here. So we have to dig deeper. 

For the health and wellbeing of you and your family, I highly recommend that you buy your bone-in chops from a trusted farm or supplier where the animals are pasture raised and free to roam.  Make an effort to get pork that is corn and soy free.

Why Bone In Pork Chops

Using pork chops with the bone in means that you’ll get a more flavorful end result. Boneless pork chops are also an option. but there is a trade off in flavor. In addition, you won’t have to cook them as long. 

Tools To Make This Delicious Recipe

• cast iron skillet or large skillet: using a pre-seasoned pan like this one, makes clean up easy and gives the chops a great color 
• instant read thermometer 
• tongs 

Complete List of Ingredients Needed For These Delicious Pork Chops 

bone in pork chops – You’ll need 2, 1″ pork chops 

ghee or tallow – I prefer using melted ghee or tallow over olive oil for cooking. Both ghee and tallow have higher smoke points which is great when cooking meats such as this. In addition, using ghee adds an injection of flavor. Using olive oil to cook is risky as it denature some of the beneficial components. 

light brown sugar – Of course, you’ll need some brown sugar to make these delicious pork chops. They are called, “brown sugar pork chops” for a reason.

coconut aminos – Adds savory flavor without using soy sauce 

salt– All salts are not created equally. Using a large grain salt like Kosher salt, will add more flavor to any piece of meat 

adobo – OK, you can skip this if you want to but…why? Adding some adobo really wakes up the dish. 

black pepper For a little kick. If you want even more spice you can swap this out for cayenne pepper 

Instructions  

Step 1: Let the pork chops come to room temperature before seasoning  

Step 2: Pat dry with paper towels. 

Step 3: In a small bowl add brown sugar, coconut aminos, salt, pepper, adobo and garlic powder 

Step 4: Season both sides with the brown sugar mixture 

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F. 

Step 6: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. 

Step 7: Add ghee to hot skillet. 

Step 8: Once the ghee is hot, add the pork chops and sear on one side for about 2 minutes. The second side will need less time. Flip the pork chops over and sear for about 30 seconds more. 

Bake for 7-10 minutes until a meat thermometer or instant thermometer reads an internal temperature of 145°F. The actual cooking time will depend on the thickness if the pork chops. Thinner chops will require less time. 

Step 9: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before cutting. 

Step 10: Sprinkle with parsley. 

Cooking Tips & Techniques to Make the Best Juicy Pork Chops 

• Source the best quality pork chops that you can. This is a simple recipe with simple ingredients. The best way to make it fail proof is to start with quality ingredients. 
• Wash the pork chops in a apple cider vinegar water solution before preparing. Rinse with water and pat dry.
• Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops. Be sure to use use an instant read thermometer to ensure the correct temperature. 
• Let the pork chops come to room temperature before seasoning. 
• Once the pork chops are finished cooking, allow them to rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. 

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops make an amazing meal for busy weeknights. Here are some suggestions on what to serve them with.

sautéed apples or apple sauce , apple pear chutney or mashed potatoes with kale and green onions.

sweet potatoes (as seen in my orange rosemary sweet potatoes ) 

green beans 

mashed potatoes 

Brussels sprouts with bacon

wild rice 

cooked quinoa 

Q & A’s

How to Store Leftovers? 

Store any leftovers in a resealable airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Q: Can I Freeze Brown Sugar Bone In Pork Chops?

A: Yes you can! 

Here’s how to freeze them safely:

Cool the pork chops until they reach room temperature. 

Wrap each porkchop in wax paper securely. 

Place the wrapped pork chops in an airtight container. 

Write the name and date on the container. 

Freeze for up to 3 months. 

How to Reheat Brown Sugar Pork Chops 

Once frozen, let the pork chops thaw in the refrigerator overnight. 

Reheat in toaster oven (or oven), between 275°F to 325°F until warmed all the way through. 

Variations or Modifications

If you like this recipe you can also try a variation using bone-in chicken thighs. 

Why You’ll Like This Recipe 

Flavorful: These pork chops are super flavorful. The garlic and brown sugar are truly a winning combination. 

Quick: From prep time to cook time: this recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make. 

Make Ahead: Brown sugar pork chops are one of my favorite recipes. Save more time by seasoning it the night before or making ahead. 

Other Recipes You May Like

Grilled Chicken Brochettes

Paleo Chicken Fajitas

One Pan Honey Glazed Salmon

Published 10/31/24 Updated for content: 8/27/2025