3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops - Mighty Mrs | Super Easy Recipes (2024)

Lean pork chops are glazed with the perfect blend of brown sugar and Italian seasonings to create a caramelized coating that locks in flavor and juices. Quick, easy, and irresistibly flavorful. Bakes in just 20 minutes with 5 minutes of prep. Add this quick and easy, 3-ingredient brown sugar Italian pork chop recipe to your dinner rotation.

Ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with minimal effort? Try these mouthwatering Brown Sugar Italian Pork Chops that only require THREE ingredients!

★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★

These are unbelievably delicious, kid-friendly and ready in about 20 minutes!

Made with moist pork chops, brown sugar and one packet of Italian dressing seasoning. Rub. Bake. The result? A caramelized crust with savory Italian flavors that'll have your taste buds dancing!

These pork chops offer a zesty, herbaceous flavor from the Italian seasoning, balanced out by sweetness from the brown sugar.

Serve over mashed potatoes with leftover seasoned juice for extra moist, perfectly cooked pork. Add a side salad or steamed veggie for a complete homemade meal in no time.

★ Ingredients You'll Need ★

It doesn't get much easier than this. Truly, just 3 ingredients is all you need.

• Pork. Use thin-cut pork chops to speed up cooking, or if you have time, try thick-cut chops for a meatier bite. You will need to add bake time to full cook thicker cuts. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145ºF.
• Italian dressing seasoning. This is a packet of dry herbs and seasonings. Found in the salad dressing aisle.
• Brown sugar. Use light or dark depending on how much of that rich molasses flavor you want to incorporate.

★ How to Make this Recipe ★

This pork dinner recipe is super simple. Here's a look at the steps:

• Mix Italian seasoning with brown sugar.
• Rub onto pork chops.
• Lay pork chops out on a baking sheet.
• Bake.
• Serve topped with juices from the baking pan.

Easy as that an so yummy!

★ Tips & FAQs ★

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with these pork chop to make a complete meal?

Serve with a grain, pasta or potato side dish such as mashed potatoes, mac and cheese or rice. Then add a vegetable. Steamed peas, broccoli or a delicious salad.

Can I use any type of pork chops for this recipe?

This recipe works well with various pork chop cuts, such as boneless or bone-in chops. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chops to ensure they are cooked to perfection. The best way to do this is check for an internal temperature of 145ºF using a meat thermometer.

Can I substitute brown sugar with another sweetener?

While brown sugar adds a unique flavor and texture, you can experiment with substitutes like honey or maple syrup for a different taste.

Is there a particular Italian dressing brand you recommend?

You can use your favorite brand of Italian dressing seasoning mix for this recipe. I find Good Seasons Italian dressing mix to have a nice flavor but store brand works too.

Can I marinate the pork chops for an extended period for more flavor?

Yes, marinating the pork chops for a longer period, like a few hours or overnight, can enhance the flavor. Ensure they are refrigerated during marination to maintain food safety.

To marinate, simply rub the pork on both sides with the brown sugar-Italian seasoning mixture, place on a baking sheet and cover with plastic (or to save fridge space, you can put them in a large ziplock bag). Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Can I use a different cooking method, such as grilling or broiling?

Yes. While this recipe suggests baking, you can easily adapt it for the grill. Set your grill to medium-high to achieve a temperature around 425ºF and cook for the time directed or until pork is done according to its temperature. Be sure the grill does not get hotter than 425ºF or the sugar may over-caramelize and burn.

Broiling is not recommended as the high temperature will burn the sugar in the rub creating an undesirable taste.

Are there any alternatives for Italian dressing mix if I don't have it on hand?

In a pinch, you can create a simple Italian dressing substitute using dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil), garlic and onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.

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