These Crunchy Honey Garlic Pork Chops are a treat! The juicy pork is coated in a crispy crust and drizzled with a sweet garlic sauce that makes every bite special.
When I make these, my kitchen smells amazing! Pair them with some veggies, and you’ve got a meal that’s both fancy and easy—perfect for impressing friends or just enjoying a cozy dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless chops are great for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you only have bone-in chops, that’s completely fine! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are crucial for that extra crunch! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be as crispy. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a different crunch.
Honey: It adds sweetness to the sauce. If you’re watching sugar intake, try using agave syrup or maple syrup instead for a similar flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers the best taste, but you can replace it with garlic powder in a pinch. Just use about 1 teaspoon of powder for each clove.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pork chops can be tricky, but using a meat thermometer really helps. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Here’s how to do it:
- Start by preheating your skillet with oil on medium heat—this helps to achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, but keep an eye on the color. If you see a rich golden brown, flip them!
- Check the temperature in the thickest part of the chop. If it’s not there yet, give it another minute or two.
Letting them rest for a few minutes before slicing helps keep the juices in!
How Can I Make the Sauce Shine?
The honey garlic sauce brings this dish together. Here are some tips to make it even better:
- Make sure to sauté the garlic just until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
- Let the sauce simmer long enough for the flavors to meld. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken at the end for a glossy finish.
- If you want a kick, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy honey if you can find it!
Enjoy cooking! This meal is sure to impress.
Crunchy Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. Adding time for the pork to rest after cooking, you’ll be ready to eat in about 45 minutes. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breading Station:
Start by setting up your breading station. In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Finally, put the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl, ready for coating the chops.
2. Bread the Pork Chops:
Next, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels to help the coating stick. First, dredge each chop in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess flour. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, coat the chop with panko breadcrumbs. For an extra crunchy texture, dip it back in the egg, and coat with panko again.
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the breaded pork chops. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re a beautiful golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). When done, place the chops on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry, allowing the sauce to thicken. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes glossy.
5. Serve:
Now it’s time to serve! Place your crispy pork chops on a serving platter and drizzle them with the honey garlic sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
6. Optional:**
For a complete meal, serve your pork chops with some steamed rice and sautéed vegetables. They pair perfectly together!
Enjoy your Crunchy Honey Garlic Pork Chops with their delightful crispy texture and the perfect sweet-savory sauce!
FAQ for Crunchy Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops! Just make sure to cook them a little longer to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You might need to adjust your cooking time to about 6-7 minutes per side depending on their thickness.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in the Sauce?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, you can use agave syrup, maple syrup, or brown sugar dissolved in water. Each will give the sauce a different flavor, but they maintain the sweetness needed in the dish.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, ensuring they warm through without drying out. A splash of water can help maintain moisture while reheating.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop before drizzling it over the pork chops to serve.
