- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Pat dry the pork chops with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat Olive Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the Pork Chops:
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is melted and the mixture is bubbly.
- Simmer with Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Pork Chops Back to Skillet:
- Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Spoon the glaze over the pork chops.
- Finish Cooking:
- Continue to cook the pork chops in the glaze, spooning the sauce over them occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Serve:
- Transfer the pork chops to a serving platter. Spoon the glaze over the chops, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Thickness of Pork Chops: Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your pork chops. Thicker chops may require a few more minutes of cooking.
- Glaze Consistency: The brown sugar glaze should thicken slightly as it cooks and coats the pork chops. Adjust cooking time if you prefer a thicker or thinner glaze.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before serving for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these delicious brown sugar chops with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy Your Meal!
These brown sugar chops are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of sweet brown sugar, savory spices, and juicy pork chops makes this dish a favorite. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delicious recipe!