These honey mustard pork chops are a tasty and easy dish! The sweet and tangy sauce gives the pork a great flavor, and they cook up nice and juicy in no time.
Honestly, I love how quick these are to make. Just mix the honey and mustard, brush it on, and cook! Perfect for a busy weeknight, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless, 1-inch thick pork chops are great for this recipe. If you can’t find boneless, bone-in chops work too, just adjust the cooking time slightly. Or, try chicken breasts for a lighter option!
Dijon Mustard: This is the base for the sauce. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard works as an alternative, though it will change the flavor a bit. A touch of spicy brown mustard can add nice complexity too!
Honey: Regular honey is perfect here for the sweet balance. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, agave syrup is a good substitute; it’s sweeter, so you might use a little less.
Thyme: Dried thyme is a nice complement, but fresh thyme adds a bright flavor. If you don’t have thyme, Italian seasoning or oregano would also work nicely.
How Do I Get Pork Chops Juicy and Tender?
Cooking pork chops can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can ensure they’re juicy and tender every time. First, make sure to pat your pork chops dry and season them well. This helps with browning and flavor. Here’s how:
- Use medium-high heat so they sear properly without overcooking.
- Cook them just until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). An instant-read thermometer is super handy for this!
- Let them rest after cooking; this keeps them juicy by allowing the juices to redistribute.
Following these steps will help you serve pork chops that are always a hit!
How to Make Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
For Serving:
- Fresh mixed greens or salad (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 20-25 minutes to have a warm meal on the table. That’s pretty quick for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely. Then, season both sides of the chops generously with salt and black pepper. It’s important to add flavor at this step!
2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, dried thyme, and minced garlic until well combined. Set this tasty sauce aside for later—it’s going to add all the flavor!
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. 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). Use a meat thermometer for best results!
4. Rest the Chops:
Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate and cover them loosely with foil. This resting period is important as it allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the pork juicy.
5. Make the Sauce:
Next, pour the chicken broth into the hot skillet to deglaze it, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This will add even more flavor to your sauce!
6. Combine the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and stir the honey mustard sauce into the skillet with the broth. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and is heated through.
7. Coat the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet and coat them with the honey mustard sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional minute to ensure they are heated through and flavorful.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pork chops topped with the honey mustard sauce. Enjoy them alongside fresh mixed greens or your favorite side dish. They’re best enjoyed hot and fresh!
Now you’re ready to dig into these juicy, flavorful honey mustard pork chops! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work just fine. Just be aware that they may require a slightly longer cooking time, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Always check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard. Just know that the flavor will be slightly different. For a gourmet twist, try using whole grain mustard for a nice texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and sear the pork chops in advance. Just store the cooked chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat and add the sauce back on until warmed through.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep them moist.
