Easy Pineapple Pork Chops: Your New Go-To Sweet and Savory Skillet Meal

Easy Pineapple Pork Chops offer a delightful fusion of flavors, bringing together succulent, tender pork chops with the bright, tangy sweetness of pineapple, aromatic onion, and savory garlic, all beautifully balanced with a hint of honey. This one-pan wonder is not just incredibly quick to prepare but also a perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious, fuss-free meal. Its vibrant taste and minimal cooking time make it an instant family favorite.

Pork chops are consistently a huge hit in my household, and these pineapple-infused versions are no exception. The combination of perfectly cooked, juicy pork with a tangy-sweet and savory sauce is simply irresistible. My kids especially adore this dish, largely due to the delicious sweetness of the pineapple that perfectly complements the pork.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its incredible simplicity and speed. It requires only 5 minutes of prep time and a mere 10 to 15 minutes of actual cooking. For anyone seeking quick, easy, and flavorful meal ideas, these Easy Pineapple Pork Chops should be at the top of your list. It’s the ideal skillet meal for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence but you refuse to compromise on taste.

Beyond being a fantastic weeknight staple, this easy pork skillet recipe is also perfect for entertaining. It’s a dish that tastes impressive but demands minimal cooking effort once your guests arrive. You can easily double or even triple the recipe to accommodate larger gatherings, making it a stress-free option for dinner parties.

In our regular meal rotation, these Easy Pineapple Pork Chops are often featured alongside other beloved pork creations like French Onion Pork Chops, Pan Seared Pork Chops, Baked BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven, Maple Bourbon Pork Chops, Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops, or Hawaiian Grilled Pork Chops. If you’re a fan of tender pulled pork, you might also be interested in learning how to make a Boston Butt.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pineapple Pork Chops Recipe

• Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe proves that incredibly tasty meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s rich in flavor.
• Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, you’re looking at under 20 minutes! It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Sweet & Savory Balance: The natural sweetness of pineapple combined with savory pork, aromatic garlic, and onion creates a harmonious sweet and sour sauce that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: The mild sweetness and tender texture appeal to both adults and children, making it a great option for family dinners.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with various spices, vegetables, or even different protein sources. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• One-Pan Meal: Cooked in a single skillet, this recipe minimizes cleanup, giving you more time to enjoy your meal.

Essential Ingredients for Pineapple Pork Chops

Here’s an overview of the simple yet flavorful ingredients we’ll be using. For exact amounts and printable instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

• Pork: I typically opt for 4 medium-sized boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick) for quick cooking and consistent tenderness. However, bone-in chops can also be used; just be aware they may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the proper internal temperature. Choose chops with good marbling for the most flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always my preference for its robust, aromatic flavor that truly elevates the sauce. If fresh isn’t available, you can substitute with garlic paste or even garlic powder (about 1/2 teaspoon per clove), though the fresh flavor is unparalleled.
• Onion: A white or yellow onion will provide a classic, pungent onion flavor that perfectly complements the sweet and savory notes. For a slightly milder taste, a red onion can be used, or for a more delicate touch, consider shallots. Ensure the onion is finely sliced or diced to integrate well into the sauce.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple, cut into bite-sized cubes, brings the best texture and most vibrant flavor to this dish. It also contains enzymes that naturally tenderize the pork. In a pinch, canned pineapple chunks (packed in juice, not syrup) can be a convenient substitute. Drain them well before adding.
• Honey: Honey acts as a natural sweetener, balancing the tartness of the pineapple and creating a beautifully glazed sauce. For an alternative unrefined sugar, pure maple syrup works wonderfully and adds its own unique depth of flavor. Brown sugar is another excellent option for a richer, molasses-like sweetness.
• Seasoning: A generous seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper on the pork chops before cooking is crucial. It brings out the inherent flavors of the meat and is fundamental to the dish’s overall deliciousness. Don’t underestimate the power of good seasoning!
• Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of olive oil for searing at higher temperatures and a touch of unsalted butter adds richness and helps create a golden crust on the pork, while also forming the base for our flavorful sauce.

How to Make Easy Pineapple Pork Chops in a Skillet

Creating these delightful pineapple pork chops is incredibly simple, making it ideal for even the busiest evenings. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal:

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Pork Chops. Begin by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels; this is a crucial step for achieving a beautiful sear. Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the pan. Sear them on one side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Avoid moving them around during this time to ensure a good sear.

Step 2. Flip and Create Space. Once one side is beautifully seared, gently push the pork chops to one side of the skillet, creating an empty space. Flip the pork chops to cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. While the second side cooks, the empty space will be used for the sauce ingredients.

Step 3: Build the Sweet and Sour Sauce. Into the empty space in the skillet, add the butter, crushed garlic, and sliced onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, add the pineapple chunks. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly, allowing the flavors to meld and the pineapple to slightly caramelize. The natural juices from the pineapple will begin to deglaze the pan, picking up all those delicious browned bits from the pork.

Step 4. Finish and Rest. Once the pineapple mixture is fragrant and slightly softened, decrease the heat to medium-low. Add the honey (or maple syrup) to the pineapple mixture in the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the pork chops are coated evenly with this luscious sweet and sour pineapple sauce. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at their thickest part. This ensures they remain juicy and tender. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let the pork chops rest in the sauce for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing dryness.

Step 5. Serve Your Pineapple Pork Chops. Carefully transfer the pineapple pork chops to serving plates, spooning plenty of the sweet and savory pineapple sauce over each chop. For a complete and satisfying meal, serve alongside a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also offer additional fresh pineapple slices on the side or extra pineapple chunks as a garnish.

Creative Ways to Modify These Hawaiian-Inspired Pork Chops

One of the best things about this Easy Pineapple Pork Chops recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste!

• Enhanced Sauce Variations: The base sauce is already packed with flavor, but you can easily give it a twist.
  • For an umami boost, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Add a touch of acidity and extra fruitiness with 2-3 tablespoons of pineapple juice, or more to achieve a thinner consistency.
  • For a sweet-spicy kick, a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce (like Huy Fong) works wonders.
  • A splash of rice vinegar can enhance the tanginess, making it even more “sweet and sour.”
  • For a richer, deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic.
• Fresh Herbs: Elevate the freshness and aroma of the dish by incorporating fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of oregano add a beautiful finish and bright flavor.
• Spices for Depth: Beyond salt and pepper, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat, crushed red pepper flakes for a more noticeable kick, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone.
• Additional Vegetables: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for adding more vegetables. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), broccoli florets, snap peas, or sliced carrots can be added to the skillet along with the onion and pineapple. They’ll cook beautifully in the flavorful sauce and add extra nutrition and color.
• Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh orange or lime juice and a little zest at the end of cooking can add a wonderful brightness and help tenderize the pork further.
• Different Proteins: While pork chops are fantastic, this sauce and method can be applied to other proteins too! Try it with chicken breasts or thighs (cut into cubes for quicker cooking), or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Juicy Pineapple Pork Chops:

• Achieve Optimal Pork Temperature: The key to incredibly juicy pork chops is to avoid overcooking them. Pork dries out and becomes tough quickly. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the chop, as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer. This will often result in a slightly pink center, which is perfectly safe and indicates a tender, moist chop. Remove from heat immediately upon reaching this temperature.
• The Importance of Resting: After removing the pork chops from the heat, always let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the flavorful juices, ensuring every bite is moist and tender. Skipping this step can lead to dry pork, even if cooked to the correct temperature.
• Choosing the Right Cut of Pork: While this recipe calls for pork chops, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute pork tenderloin (pork filet) for an even quicker cooking time and leaner option. If using tenderloin, slice it into medallions before searing. Don’t limit yourself to pork – this flavorful pineapple sauce also pairs wonderfully with chicken thighs or chicken breast (cubed or pounded thin).
• Boost Your Veggies: This dish is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. Feel free to add quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers (any color), broccoli florets, snap peas, or thin carrot strips to the skillet along with the pineapple and onion. They will cook perfectly in the sweet and sour sauce, adding extra nutrients and crunch.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the pork chops, ensure your skillet is large enough so they don’t overlap. Crowding the pan lowers the temperature, steaming the meat instead of searing it, which prevents that desirable golden crust. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of honey can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your pineapple and your personal preference. Taste the sauce before adding all the honey, and add more if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This recipe is excellent for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers, but proper storage is key to maintaining its deliciousness.

• Refrigerator Storage: Once your pineapple pork chops have completely cooled down to room temperature, transfer them along with the sauce to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them a fantastic option for packed lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
• Freezer Storage: For longer storage, allow the cooked pork chops and sauce to cool entirely. Place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month without significant loss of quality. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • From Refrigerator: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer the pork chops and sauce back to a skillet. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chops are warmed through and the sauce is bubbling. You can also microwave them in a microwave-safe dish until hot.
  • From Freezer: For frozen chops, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first. Once defrosted, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated leftovers. If reheating directly from frozen, it will take longer and you may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Recipe FAQs for Pineapple Pork Chops

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4.42 from 39 votes

Easy Pineapple Pork Chops

By
Julia Jolliff

Prep:
5 minutes mins

Cook:
15 minutes mins

Total:
20 minutes mins

Servings:
4

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Easy Pineapple Pork Chops bring together juicy and tender pork chops with a vibrant sweet and sour sauce featuring pineapple, onion, garlic, and a touch of honey. This quick skillet meal is an ideal solution for a delicious and fast weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Video

Ingredients 

• ▢ 4 pork chops, boneless (medium size, about 1-inch thick)
• ▢ Sea salt, to taste
• ▢ Ground black pepper, to taste
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon butter, unsalted
• ▢ 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed (or minced)
• ▢ 1 small white onion, peeled and thinly sliced or diced
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups pineapple, fresh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or canned, drained)
• ▢ 2 tablespoons honey, or maple syrup, adjust to taste
• ▢ Fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish, chopped
• ▢ Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Instructions 

• Prepare Pork: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with sea salt and black pepper. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Sear Chops: Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork chops into the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes on one side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Avoid moving them around during this initial sear.
• Sauté Aromatics and Pineapple: Push the seared pork chops to one side of the skillet, creating an empty space. Add 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter to the empty space, along with the crushed garlic and sliced onion. Sauté for 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften and the garlic is fragrant. Then, add the pineapple chunks to the skillet. Continue to cook for about 3 minutes, stirring the pineapple, onion, and garlic until they are well combined and the pineapple starts to lightly caramelize.
• Combine and Finish Cooking: Flip the pork chops to cook on the second side. Stir the sweet and savory pineapple sauce mixture over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated. Decrease the heat to medium-low. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, continuously spooning the sauce over the chops, until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Add Honey and Rest: Finally, add the 2 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup) to the sauce. Stir gently to incorporate. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pork chops rest in the warm sauce for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist pork.
• Serve: Serve the juicy pineapple pork chops immediately, generously spooning the flavorful sweet and sour sauce over them. Pair with a side of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and/or green onions for a vibrant finish. You can also add extra fresh pineapple chunks as a garnish.

Notes

• How to store leftovers: Allow the cooked pork chops and sauce to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• How to freeze: Once cooled, place the pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
• For extra tender pork: Pineapple contains natural enzymes (bromelain) that can tenderize meat. If you have time, you can rub the pork chops with a small amount of crushed fresh pineapple (about a tablespoon per chop) and let them sit for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Be careful not to leave it on too long, as it can make the meat mushy.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g

,

Calories: 326kcal

,

Carbohydrates: 20g

,

Protein: 30g

,

Fat: 14g

,

Saturated Fat: 4g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

,

Monounsaturated Fat: 7g

,

Trans Fat: 0.1g

,

Cholesterol: 92mg

,

Sodium: 75mg

,

Potassium: 625mg

,

Fiber: 1g

,

Sugar: 16g

,

Vitamin A: 73IU

,

Vitamin C: 33mg

,

Calcium: 30mg

,

Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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