Sticky Honey Chipotle Pork Chops Recipe

This sticky spicy Honey Chipotle Pork Chops Recipe is made with pork chops, honey, and adobo sauce, and ready in 25 minutes. The magic happens when the smoky glaze bubbles down in the hot skillet, clinging to the seared meat. I always keep chipotle peppers in my pantry for this easy dinner.

What I Learned Making This

At first, I struggled with dry pork chops that lacked flavor on the inside. I quickly learned that searing the meat at a high temperature before lowering the heat is crucial for a juicy interior.

I also discovered that adding the sweet sauce too early causes the sugars to burn in the pan. Now, I pour the glaze in during the final minutes so it caramelizes beautifully without scorching.

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Honey Chipotle Pork Chops Recipe Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.33 cup honey
• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

How To Make Honey Chipotle Pork Chops Recipe

1. Season the pork: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
3. Sear the chops: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the honey chipotle glaze over the pork chops. Let it bubble for 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat when the sauce thickens and coats the meat. Rest the pork chops for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use a meat thermometer: Pork chops are perfectly cooked and safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the minced chipotle peppers to just one tablespoon and remove the seeds.
• Pat the meat dry: Removing excess moisture from the surface of the pork chops ensures a beautiful, crusty sear in the pan.

What To Serve With Honey Chipotle Pork Chops

These sweet and spicy chops pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the extra glaze. You can also serve them alongside roasted green beans or a crisp cabbage slaw for a refreshing crunch.

How To Store

Keep leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent the glaze from burning. You can also freeze the cooked chops for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes, boneless pork chops work perfectly. You may need to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two per side so they do not dry out.

What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?

White vinegar or fresh lime juice are great alternatives. They provide the necessary acidity to balance the sweet honey in the glaze.

Why did my sauce burn?

Honey burns quickly over high heat. Always reduce the stovetop temperature to medium-low before adding the glaze to the skillet.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
• Protein: 30 g