Chipotle Orange Glazed Pork Chops offer a vibrant blend of sweet and smoky flavors, creating a dish that is both intriguing and irresistibly delicious. This recipe features juicy pork chops that are seared to perfection and then glazed with a zesty mixture of orange juice, chipotle peppers, and a hint of honey for sweetness. The citrus notes of the orange beautifully complement the heat from the chipotle, while the honey smooths out the flavors to create a balanced, sticky coating that caramelizes wonderfully on the chops.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotles)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Optional: Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
- Season the pork chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Sear the pork chops:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the glaze:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the orange juice, honey, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Glaze the pork chops:
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the glaze over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, or until the pork chops are thoroughly coated with the glaze and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Garnish and serve:
- Transfer the pork chops to plates. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the chops. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Serve these Chipotle Orange Glazed Pork Chops with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that bursts with flavor and color. The combination of orange and chipotle provides a sweet and smoky taste that elevates the pork chops to a new level of deliciousness.
