Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops work wonderfully in this recipe and often have more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly - they typically need an extra 2-3 minutes to cook through properly. The bone actually helps prevent overcooking, so it's a great option if you're newer to cooking pork.

Is fresh pineapple necessary, or can I use canned?

While fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture, canned pineapple chunks work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well, and if they're packed in syrup rather than juice, you might want to reduce the honey slightly to balance the sweetness.

My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?

If you'd like a thicker sauce, there are a couple of easy solutions. You can cook it down longer to reduce it naturally, or mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this mixture into the sauce during the final cooking stage. Let it simmer for a minute to thicken.

Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of pork?

Definitely! This sauce works beautifully with boneless chicken breasts or thighs. For chicken breasts, pound them to even thickness first to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will be similar, but always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Easy Pineapple Pork Chops Recipe

Name: Easy Pineapple Pork Chops Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Pork Chops; 4 boneless pork chops (medium size); Sea salt, to season; Ground black pepper, to season; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon unsalted butter; Sautéed Vegetables; 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed; 1 small white onion, peeled and sliced; Pineapple Sauce; 1 1/2 cups pineapple, cut in cubes; 2 tablespoons honey; Garnish & Serving; Fresh cilantro and green onions, for garnish; Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

Description

These easy Pineapple Pork Chops are a delicious main course featuring tender boneless pork chops cooked in a skillet with sweet and tangy pineapple, honey, garlic, and onions. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal full of tropical flavors and topped with fresh cilantro. Serve with rice or quinoa for a hearty, balanced dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pork Chops
4 boneless pork chops (medium size)
Sea salt, to season
Ground black pepper, to season
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
Sautéed Vegetables
4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 small white onion, peeled and sliced
Pineapple Sauce
1 1/2 cups pineapple, cut in cubes
2 tablespoons honey
Garnish & Serving
Fresh cilantro and green onions, for garnish
Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

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Instructions

Season the Pork Chops: Generously season both sides of the pork chops with sea salt and ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions and crushed garlic cloves. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Cook Pork Chops (Side One): Place the seasoned pork chops into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on one side until they develop a golden crust.
Cook Pork Chops (Side Two): Gently push the pork chops to one side of the skillet to create some space, then carefully flip each pork chop. Continue cooking on the other side while preparing the sauce.
Prepare the Pineapple Sauce: In the empty part of the skillet, add the unsalted butter and pineapple cubes. Let the pineapple cook briefly so it releases its juices. Stir occasionally to mix the butter and pineapple, forming a sauce infused with the onion and garlic flavors.
Coat and Simmer: Gradually stir the pineapple sauce over the pork chops, so they’re coated evenly. Continue to cook everything for another 3-5 minutes, or until the pork chops register an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Add Honey and Finish: Reduce the heat to medium, then drizzle in the honey. Mix thoroughly so the honey dissolves into the sauce, adding a sweet, glossy finish. Remove from the heat and let the pork chops rest in the pan for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve: Serve the pork chops hot, topped with the pineapple sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and green onions, and pair with rice or quinoa. Optionally, add extra pineapple chunks or slices for garnish.

Notes

Allow leftovers to cool down before storing.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, cool completely and place in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pork.
Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or pineapple to your taste preference.
For extra color and flavor, lightly brown the pineapple cubes before adding honey.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce
Calories: 285
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 74mg