Print

Flavorful Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops Easy Oven-Baked Recipe with Apple Cider Glaze

brown sugar garlic pork chops - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender, caramelized pork chops baked with a sticky brown sugar garlic glaze and a tangy apple cider finish. This easy oven-baked recipe balances sweet and savory flavors for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick, roughly 6 oz each)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme if using. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Adjust acidity with more vinegar if desired.
  4. Place pork chops in a single layer in a baking dish. Brush half of the glaze over the top and edges of each chop. Reserve remaining glaze for basting.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, remove the dish briefly and brush chops with remaining glaze.
  6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C). If no thermometer, cut into thickest part to ensure juices run clear and meat is slightly pink but not raw.
  7. Optional: Remove chops from oven, dot with butter, spoon pan juices over top, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting pork chops dry is crucial for a good crust. Basting halfway through baking locks in flavor and creates a sticky glaze. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. If glaze burns, reduce oven temperature by 25°F or cover loosely with foil. Rest chops after baking for juiciness. Optional butter finish adds gloss and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, brown sugar, garlic, apple cider glaze, oven-baked, easy dinner, weeknight meal, savory, sweet, glaze

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/flavorful-brown-sugar-garlic-pork-chops-easy-oven-baked-recipe-with-apple-cider-glaze/