3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops
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Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? These 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops are perfect for busy weeknights. You only need pork chops, brown sugar, and Italian dressing mix to create a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
The sweet and savory combo of brown sugar and Italian spices gives these pork chops amazing flavor. They’re super easy to make – just coat the chops, pop them in the oven, and broil for a caramelized finish. Your family will love this simple yet scrumptious dish!
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
You only need three ingredients to make these tasty pork chops:
- 8 boneless pork chops (about 2 lbs)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 (0.7 oz) packet Italian dressing mix
Don’t have these exact items? No worries! Here are some substitutes you can try:
For the pork chops: Bone-in chops work too. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Instead of brown sugar, try:
- White sugar + a little molasses
- Coconut sugar
- Maple syrup (use slightly less)
No Italian dressing mix? Make your own with:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Mix these spices together and use in place of the packet. Your pork chops will still be yummy!
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil to make cleanup easier.
Mix the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix in a bowl. This will be your tasty coating for the pork chops.
Take each pork chop and coat both sides with the sugar mixture. Place them in your lined pan.
If you have any leftover sugar mix, sprinkle it on top of the chops. This helps create a nice glaze.
Bake the pork chops for 20 to 25 minutes. They should be cooked through but still juicy.
For a caramelized finish, turn on your broiler. Watch the chops closely and broil for 1 to 2 minutes.
Be careful not to burn the sugar topping. It can go from perfect to burnt quickly under the broiler.
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep them moist and tender.
Enjoy your sweet and savory pork chops with your favorite sides!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best results, choose pork chops that are about 1 inch thick. This helps them stay juicy while cooking.
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before coating them. This lets the brown sugar mixture stick better.
Don’t overcook the pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside.
To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
You can reheat the pork chops in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Cover them with foil to keep them moist.
For a change, try using different seasoning mixes instead of Italian. Ranch or garlic herb can work well too.
If you like extra sauce, double the brown sugar and seasoning mix. Spoon the extra over the chops before serving.
To make cleanup easier, use a disposable foil pan instead of lining a regular pan with foil.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.