How to Make Delicious Hot Honey Glazed Pork Chops: Quick & Easy

Sweet wildflower honey, spicy crushed red chilies, tangy cider vinegar, and succulent pan-seared pork chops come together in this Delicious Hot Honey Glazed Pork Chops recipe. Ready in under 20 minutes in a single cast-iron skillet, it is sweet, spicy, savory, and caramelized to golden perfection.

The Secret to Juicy Pork Chops

Dry, tough pork chops are a thing of the past when you follow two simple kitchen rules:

1. Choose Thick Cut Chops: Opt for bone-in pork chops that are at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thin chops overcook in seconds.
2. Cook to 145°F (63°C): USDA guidelines recommend pulling pork off the heat at 145°F with a 3-minute rest. Pork should have a gentle blush of pink in the center to stay tender and juicy.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 4 Bone-In Thick-Cut Pork Chops (approx. 8 oz each)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika & 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt & 1/2 tsp Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme or Rosemary

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/3 cup Pure Wildflower Honey
• 1 1/2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (or Mike’s Hot Honey)
• 2 Cloves Garlic, finely grated
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard (emulsifies the sauce)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Season the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry thoroughly with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of a crisp sear). In a small ramekin, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub seasoning generously on all sides of the chops.

2. Whisk the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, grated garlic, and Dijon mustard. Set aside.

3. Sear in Cast Iron

Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil until shimmering hot. Lay the pork chops into the skillet. Sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Glaze and Baste

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter, fresh thyme sprigs, and pour the hot honey mixture all over the chops. The honey will bubble and foam. Use a large spoon to baste the foaming hot honey sauce continuously over the pork chops for 2 minutes until glossy and caramelized, and an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F.

5. Rest and Serve

Transfer pork chops to a warm cutting board and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Spoon remaining pan glaze generously over the chops right before serving.

Perfect Side Dish Pairings

Serve hot honey pork chops alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, or sweet skillet cornbread.