Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Honey Mustard Pork Chops are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines juicy pork chops with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. The sauce has just the right balance of…

By Willow • October 30, 2025 • Reading time: 5 min

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Honey Mustard Pork Chops are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines juicy pork chops with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. The sauce has just the right balance of sweetness from the honey and a little kick from the mustard, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. The pork chops get nicely caramelized on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside.

I love making this dish when I want something quick but still impressive enough for family or friends. One tip I always follow is to let the pork chops rest a few minutes after cooking—this keeps them juicy and makes the flavors soak in even better. The honey mustard sauce is simple to whip up, and I sometimes add a little garlic or a splash of apple cider vinegar to give it an extra zing.

This dish pairs perfectly with a side of roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. I also enjoy serving it with a fresh green salad to add a bit of crispness. Whenever I make Honey Mustard Pork Chops, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pork Chops: Bone-in chops give great flavor and stay juicy. If you prefer, boneless will work too but watch cooking time to avoid drying out.

Dijon & Whole Grain Mustard: Dijon adds smooth tanginess, while whole grain mustard adds texture. Feel free to skip the grainy one if you want a smoother sauce.

Honey: This balances the mustard’s sharpness with sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can substitute if you need.

Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Both add brightness to the sauce, cutting through richness. Use whatever you have or even a splash of white wine vinegar.

How Can You Get Juicy Pork Chops with a Nice Crust?

Getting a golden crust while keeping the pork tender is key. Here’s how:

• Pat chops dry and season well—this helps with browning and flavor.
• Heat oil in the pan before adding chops so they sizzle immediately.
• Sear on medium-high heat without moving to build that crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Lower heat and add sauce to avoid burning while cooking through.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—145°F (63°C) is perfect.
• Rest the meat 5 minutes after cooking; this keeps juices inside.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet – perfect for searing pork chops and making the sauce in one pan.
• Tongs – help you easily flip the chops without piercing the meat.
• Small mixing bowl – for whisking together the honey mustard sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Meat thermometer – handy to check pork chops reach safe cooking temperature without overcooking.
• Measuring spoons – for quick and accurate measurement of honey, mustard, and spices.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap pork chops for chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter, lean protein option.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Stir in fresh rosemary or sage along with thyme to change the herb flavor profile.
• Mix in a spoonful of whole-grain mustard for extra texture and tanginess if you like more bite.

How to Make Honey Mustard Pork Chops?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 15 minutes to cook. Including resting time, your total time will be around 30 minutes—quick enough for a weekday dinner but flavorful enough to impress!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare and Season the Pork Chops:

Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Then, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This will help to create a nice crust when cooking.

2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard if using, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and thyme. This will be the flavorful glaze for your pork chops.

3. Cook the Pork Chops:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

4. Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking:

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the honey mustard sauce over the pork chops in the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chops as they cook for another 3-5 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Rest and Serve:

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for tender, juicy meat. Spoon any remaining sauce over the chops and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?

Yes! Boneless pork chops work well too. Just reduce the cooking time slightly since they cook faster—keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid drying out.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the honey mustard sauce and marinate the pork chops for up to 24 hours in the fridge. When ready, cook as instructed for best flavor.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Place any leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the meat tender.

What Goes Well with Honey Mustard Pork Chops?

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.