Elevate your dinner table with these succulent Pork Chops with Caramelized Orange Sauce, a savory-sweet masterpiece bursting with citrusy goodness. Perfectly seared bone-in pork chops are paired with a velvety sauce made from freshly squeezed orange juice, aromatic shallots, golden honey, and a touch of thyme, delivering a vibrant flavor explosion in every bite. The caramelization process enhances the natural sweetness of the oranges, while a cornstarch slurry ensures the sauce clings to the chops with a luscious finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for an unforgettable meal your family or guests will rave about!
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a light sprinkle of granulated sugar to aid caramelization.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the pork chops. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the pork chops from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the chopped shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the orange juice, orange zest, chicken stock, honey, and fresh thyme to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to build flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the orange sauce. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the caramelized orange sauce over them. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to reheat the pork chops and allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the pork chops immediately, topped with the caramelized orange sauce. Pair with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Calories |
2747 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 178.4 g | 229% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.5 g | 328% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 648 mg | 216% | |
| Sodium | 1137 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.2 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 63.7 g | ||
| Protein | 201.2 g | 402% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 155 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 3082 mg | 66% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.