These Crunchy Honey Garlic Pork Chops are wonderfully crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce adds a burst of flavor that everyone will love!
I love how easy they are to make for a weeknight dinner! Just fry them up and drizzle with that yummy sauce. You’ll have a plate full of smiles around the table! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend boneless chops as they cook quickly and stay tender. Bone-in chops work too but may take a bit longer to cook through. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using turkey chops!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives that extra crunch we love! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs are fine, but they may not be as crispy. You can also make your own by toasting stale bread and breaking it into pieces.
Honey: Honey is key for sweetness and glaze. If you’re avoiding sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup can be excellent substitutes. Just keep an eye on quantities, as they might have a slightly different sweetness level.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a great flavor, but if you’re short on time, garlic powder can work too. I prefer fresh for that extra punch!
How Can I Make Sure My Pork Chops are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is all about the coating and cooking method. Start by patting the pork chops dry, removing moisture helps the coating stick. Here’s how to achieve that crispiness:
- Set up three bowls for dredging: flour mix, egg wash, and panko. Coating in this order gives a better crunch.
- When frying, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chops. A temperature of 350°F (175°C) works best.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed, as too many chops can lower the oil temperature, affecting crispiness.
Following these tips ensures you’ll have beautifully crispy pork chops every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Crunchy Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making these delicious pork chops will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at a fantastic meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure they are moist but not wet. This helps the coating stick better and gives you that nice crispy crust.
2. Set Up the Dredging Stations:
Gather three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs and water together. Lastly, place the panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
3. Coat the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop and dip it into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the pork chop in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
4. Cook the Pork Chops:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated pork chops to the pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once done, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet (with residual oil), reduce the heat to low, and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Coat the Pork Chops with Sauce:
Return the cooked pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the honey garlic sauce over each chop, allowing them to absorb the lovely flavors for about another minute.
7. Serve:
Transfer the pork chops to a serving plate, drizzle more sauce on top, and then garnish with sliced green onions and crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy your meal alongside fried rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad!
Enjoy your crispy, juicy Crunchy Honey Garlic Pork Chops and the compliments you’ll get!
FAQs About Crunchy Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops can be used, but they may take a little longer to cook through. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, agave syrup or maple syrup works well. Keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the flavor slightly, but they’ll still give you a delicious glaze!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook, as they can dry out.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stove before drizzling over your freshly cooked pork chops.
