Succulent Honey Garlic Chops

This honey garlic pork chop recipe transforms ordinary dinner into a memorable feast with minimal effort. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes perfectly on the grill, creating juicy chops that disappear from plates in minutes. After years of testing different marinades, I've found this simple combination creates the most requested pork dish in my household.

I discovered this recipe during a summer cookout when I needed something quick that would please picky eaters. What started as a last-minute creation has become our signature dish that friends specifically request when visiting.

Ingredients

• Pork chops 1-inch thick bone-in chops retain moisture better during grilling
• Ketchup provides the tomato base and tanginess that balances the sweetness
• Honey creates that irresistible caramelization and sticky texture
• Low sodium soy sauce adds depth without making the dish too salty
• Fresh garlic cloves infuse the glaze with aromatic flavor that elevates everything

How To Make World's Best Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Prepare the grill

Heat your grill to medium heat around 375°F. Take time to properly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This temperature allows the chops to cook through without burning the sugary glaze.

Mix the glaze

Combine ketchup honey soy sauce and crushed garlic in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to cling to the back of a spoon but still brushable.

Sear the chops

Place pork chops on the preheated grill and sear each side for about 2 minutes. This initial cooking without glaze creates beautiful grill marks and seals in juices.

Apply the glaze

Brush each side generously with the honey garlic mixture as they cook. Apply multiple thin layers rather than one thick coat for the best flavor development and caramelization.

Cook to perfection

Continue grilling for 7 to 9 minutes per side brushing with additional glaze occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F internal temperature. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

The honey in this recipe is truly the star ingredient. I prefer using local wildflower honey which adds subtle floral notes to the glaze. My family tradition is serving these chops during our first backyard barbecue of the season marking the official start of summer in our household.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the glaze up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually improves the flavor as the garlic infuses throughout. Bring to room temperature before using. The pork chops themselves can be seasoned with salt and pepper the morning before cooking which helps them retain moisture during grilling.

Perfect Sides To Serve

These honey garlic pork chops pair beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing with the glaze. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the extra sauce wonderfully. Grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini cook alongside the chops making meal preparation efficient. For a complete meal add a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the meat.

Indoor Cooking Alternative

No grill available? These pork chops adapt beautifully to indoor cooking methods. For stovetop preparation use a cast iron skillet heated to medium high. Sear the chops for 2 minutes per side then reduce heat to medium low apply the glaze and continue cooking until done. For oven baking sear in an oven safe skillet first then brush with glaze and finish in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes or until they reach proper temperature.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?

Pork chops are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) measured with an instant-read thermometer. At this temperature, the meat may still have a slight pink color in the center, which is perfectly safe.

→ Can I make these pork chops in the oven instead?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sear the chops in an oven-safe skillet, brush with glaze, then finish in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until they reach 145°F internally.

→ What sides pair well with honey garlic pork chops?

These pork chops pair beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The sweet and savory glaze complements many side dishes.

→ Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply warm it slightly before using to make it easier to brush onto the meat.

→ What can I substitute for the soy sauce?

For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If you're looking to reduce sodium, opt for a low-sodium tamari or dilute regular soy sauce with a bit of water.

→ How thick should the pork chops be?

This recipe works best with pork chops that are about 1-inch thick. Thinner chops will cook faster and may dry out, while thicker chops will need additional cooking time.