Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Juicy, bone-in pork chops meet a sweet-meets-tangy maple glaze in this effortlessly elegant dish. Seared until golden and finished in the oven, these chops deliver a caramelized, flavor-packed crust with a tender, succulent interior. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night at home.

⏱️ Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories per serving: ~410 kcal
  

  🛒 Ingredients

  For the Pork:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  For the Maple Glaze:

  • ½ cup pure maple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  📋 Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Season the chops – Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel (this helps with browning). Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

  3. Sear to golden perfection – Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the pork chops. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.

  4. Make the glaze – While the chops sear, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth.

  5. Glaze the chops – Pour the glaze evenly over the seared pork chops, turning them once or twice to coat thoroughly.

  6. Finish in the oven – Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest chop reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

  7. Rest and serve – Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. 

     💡 Chef's Notes

     • Basting bonus: For extra flavor, spoon the pan glaze over the chops halfway through baking.

     • Bourbon twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a warm, smoky depth.

     • Perfect pairings: Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, or a crisp apple slaw to complement the sweet-tangy glaze.

     • Temperature check: Always use a meat thermometer—145°F is the safe, juicy sweet spot for pork.