Chipotle Honey Pork Chops

Featured in: Bold Weeknight Flavors

These pork chops offer a perfect balance of smoky heat and sweet honey glaze, creating juicy, flavorful meat. Marinated briefly and cooked over medium-high heat, the chops develop a rich, smoky crust while staying tender inside. The marinade combines chipotle adobo, honey, lime juice, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin for depth. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice or roasted potatoes. Ideal for a quick yet impressive dinner.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:55:00 GMT
Juicy Chipotle Honey Pork Chops glistening with smoky honey glaze against a vibrant backdrop.  Save to Pins
Juicy Chipotle Honey Pork Chops glistening with smoky honey glaze against a vibrant backdrop. | spicra.com

Juicy pork chops glazed with a smoky sweet chipotle honey sauce for a perfectly balanced and flavorful main dish.

This recipe has become a family favorite for weeknight dinners because the marinade packs a punch yet is simple to make.

Ingredients

  • Pork: 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • Marinade & Glaze: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers), 1 chipotle pepper in adobo finely minced, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional), Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

Marinate:
In a small bowl whisk together olive oil honey adobo sauce minced chipotle pepper lime juice garlic powder smoked paprika cumin salt and black pepper to make the marinade.
Prep Pork:
Pat pork chops dry with paper towels Place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag Pour half of the marinade over the chops turning to coat Reserve the remaining marinade for glazing.
Marinate Time:
Marinate the pork chops for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for stronger flavor).
Preheat:
Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat Lightly oil the grates or pan.
Cook:
Grill or sear pork chops for 45 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) Brush with reserved marinade during the last 2 minutes of cooking on each side.
Rest:
Remove chops from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.
Tender pork chops marinated in chipotle honey sauce, garnished with fresh lime wedges.  Save to Pins
Tender pork chops marinated in chipotle honey sauce, garnished with fresh lime wedges. | spicra.com

This dish brings the family together especially when served alongside simple sides on a relaxed weekend evening.

Notes

Marinate overnight for deeper flavor if time allows. Double-check chipotle in adobo for gluten if highly sensitive.

Required Tools

Grill or large skillet Mixing bowls Whisk Tongs Measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Contains honey (not suitable for children under 1 year or vegans). No common allergens (milk eggs nuts soy wheat) present.

Flavor-packed Chipotle Honey Pork Chops sizzling on a grill, ready for a delicious dinner. Save to Pins
Flavor-packed Chipotle Honey Pork Chops sizzling on a grill, ready for a delicious dinner. | spicra.com

This chipotle honey pork chops recipe is a delightful balance of sweet and smoky perfect for any occasion.

Questions & Answers

How long should I marinate the pork chops?

Marinate the pork chops for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors. For a deeper taste, marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Can I cook these chops indoors?

Yes, use a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat to sear the chops, ensuring a flavorful crust while keeping them juicy.

What is the ideal internal temperature for cooking pork chops?

Cook pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe, juicy meat with a slight pink center.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add an extra chipotle pepper in adobo to the marinade for increased smoky heat without overpowering the sweet glaze.

What sides complement these pork chops?

Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance the smoky and sweet flavors of the chops.

Chipotle Honey Pork Chops

Tender pork chops glazed with smoky chipotle honey for a balanced, flavorful main course.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Recipe by spicra Olivia Carter

Dish Category Bold Weeknight Flavors

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details No Dairy, Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

Pork

01 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick

Marinade & Glaze

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1/4 cup honey
03 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
04 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely minced
05 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
06 2 teaspoons garlic powder
07 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
09 1 teaspoon salt
10 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
02 Lime wedges (optional)

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, adobo sauce, minced chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 02

Marinate Pork Chops: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Place in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chops, coating thoroughly. Reserve remaining marinade for glazing.

Step 03

Rest with Marinade: Allow pork chops to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours refrigerated for enhanced flavor.

Step 04

Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat grill or large skillet to medium-high heat and lightly oil grates or pan to prevent sticking.

Step 05

Cook Pork Chops: Grill or sear pork chops for 4 to 5 minutes per side, brushing with reserved marinade during the last 2 minutes on each side, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 06

Rest Meat: Remove chops from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro and serve alongside lime wedges.

Necessary Tools

  • Grill or large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Details

Go through each ingredient to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains honey, unsuitable for infants under 1 year and vegans.
  • Check chipotle in adobo for gluten if highly sensitive.

Nutrition Info (each portion)

For informational use only—please talk to your doctor for health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 310
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 31 g