When time is short and dinner needs to impress, these Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops hit the mark. With a delicious mix of pantry spices and brown sugar, each chop gets a flavorful crust that’s both sweet and savory. The recipe takes only half an hour from start to finish and is cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
These pork chops are pan-seared to a golden caramelized finish, locking in all the juicy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers restaurant-worthy results with little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Uses simple pantry staples
- Sweet and spicy flavor balance
- Family-friendly and gluten-free
- One-pan cleanup
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Spices
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to form your dry rub.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season each side with salt and pepper, then generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the pork chops.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking.
Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops
Add pork chops to the skillet and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The brown sugar will help form a beautiful caramelized crust.
Step 5: Let Them Rest
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step helps retain juices for tender, flavorful meat.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Mashed or roasted sweet potatoes
- Garlic sautéed green beans
- Classic coleslaw or a fresh green salad
- Rice pilaf or couscous
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Use bone-in pork chops if preferred; just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rub if you like more heat.
- For a glazed finish, combine 1 extra tablespoon of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and brush it over the pork in the final minute of cooking.
- This recipe also works great on the grill.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Mix the spice rub in advance and store in an airtight container for up to one month.
- Leftovers: Store cooked pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap seasoned raw pork chops and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Why This Recipe Works
By combining brown sugar with bold spices and cooking the pork quickly at a high heat, you get a flavorful crust and juicy interior. The balance of sweet, smoky, and savory makes this dish a go-to when you need something fast, comforting, and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
These Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy night or just want a foolproof recipe for your meal prep, this dish checks every box. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Spices
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to form your dry rub.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season each side with salt and pepper, then generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the pork chops.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking.
Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops
- Add pork chops to the skillet and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The brown sugar will help form a beautiful caramelized crust.
Step 5: Let Them Rest
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step helps retain juices for tender, flavorful meat.
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