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These Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and beautifully caramelized with a sweet-savory crust that cooks up in under 30minutes. A quick sear in cast iron followed by a short oven finish creates restaurant-style results with very little effort—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
If you love simple meals like this, you might also enjoy my Skillet Lasagna, French Onion Meatballs, and Chili Cornbread Casserole—all easy, comforting dinner ideas that deliver big flavor with very little fuss.
Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
- Brown sugar and soy sauce create a caramelized, flavor-rich crust.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients but these delicious brown sugar chops taste like a special meal.
Equipment
Ingredients
Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Bone-in Pork Chops: Room temperature for best sear and tenderness.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances savory depth and balances the sugar.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making these pork chops:
Step 1: Let pork chops sit at room temperature before seasoning.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and onion powder (Photo 1). Season both sides of the pork chops with the brown sugar sauce, patting to help the mixture adhere (Photo 2).
Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and add oil.
Step 4: When the oil is hot, sear pork chops for 2 minutes on one side (Photo 3). Flip, sear 30 seconds (Photo 4), then immediately transfer the skillet to the oven.
Step 5: Bake 7–10 minutes, or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Optional: sprinkle parsley on top.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave—just be careful not to overcook.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature pork chops for even cooking.
- An instant-read thermometer prevents overcooking—145°F is the goal.
- Cast iron gives the best sear, but any oven-safe skillet works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but reduce cook time slightly to prevent dryness.
You can—it will add deeper molasses flavor.
No, just ensure your skillet is oven-safe or transfer to a baking dish after searing.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
- Easy Roasted Chicken
- Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
- Sausage Potato Kale Soup
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment with a 5-star recipe rating and let me know! Thank you!
Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in pork chops, 1 inch, brought to room temperature
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp avocado oil, or olive oil
Instructions
- Let the pork chops come to room temperature before seasoning.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Season both sides of the pork chops with the mixture, and pat them to ensure the seasoning sticks.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the oil to the skillet and continue heating.
- Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear on one side for 2 minutes. Flip the pork chops and let sear for 30 seconds, then place the skillet in the oven immediately.
- Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 145°F. Baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops, so be careful not to overcook.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before cutting. Optional: Sprinkle parsley on top before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use room-temperature pork chops for even cooking.
- A meat thermometer prevents overcooking—145°F is the goal.
- Cast iron gives the best sear, but any oven-safe skillet works.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
