Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Chops with Brown Sugar Glaze

These Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Chops with Brown Sugar Glaze combine juicy pork chops, sweet pineapple rings, and a rich savory-sweet glaze for an easy family dinner packed with flavor.

The pork chops are seasoned, browned, and baked in a brown sugar pineapple sauce until tender and glossy. Caramelized pineapple on top adds sweetness and makes this dish perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday meals, or casual family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and savory flavor
• Juicy pork chops
• Caramelized pineapple rings
• Rich brown sugar glaze
• Simple everyday ingredients
• Easy oven-baked preparation
• Perfect for family dinners

Ingredients

• 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops
• 4 pineapple rings
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice, reserved from the can
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Chops

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a medium baking dish.

Step 2: Season the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a small amount of salt.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the pork chops and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned.

The pork does not need to be completely cooked at this stage.

Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Place the browned pork chops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

Step 5: Make the Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Thicken the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

Slowly pour the mixture into the simmering glaze while whisking.

Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 7: Add the Glaze

Pour the warm glaze over the pork chops.

Spoon some of the sauce over each chop so the surface is well coated.

Step 8: Add the Pineapple

Place one pineapple ring on top of each pork chop.

Spoon a little additional glaze over the pineapple.

Step 9: Bake

Bake uncovered for about 18 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork chops.

Spoon the glaze over the pork once or twice during baking.

Step 10: Check Doneness

The pork chops are ready when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 11: Caramelize the Pineapple

For a darker caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the final 1 to 3 minutes.

Watch closely because the brown sugar glaze can darken quickly.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes.

Spoon the warm pineapple glaze from the bottom of the baking dish over each pork chop before serving.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Pork Chops

• Use thick pork chops: They stay juicier during baking.
• Sear before baking: Browning adds extra flavor and gives the pork a better exterior.
• Do not overcook: Pork chops can become dry if cooked much beyond the recommended temperature.
• Use reserved pineapple juice: It gives the glaze stronger pineapple flavor.
• Thicken the sauce: The cornstarch slurry creates the glossy glaze seen on the finished dish.
• Broil carefully: Brown sugar caramelizes quickly, so watch the pork closely at the end.

Easy Variations

Spicy Hawaiian Pork Chops

Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the glaze.

Honey Pineapple Pork Chops

Replace half of the brown sugar with honey for a slightly different sweetness.

Teriyaki Pineapple Pork Chops

Add 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce to the glaze and reduce the soy sauce slightly.

Bone-In Pineapple Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops can also be used. They may require several additional minutes of cooking depending on thickness.

Pineapple Pork Chops with Bell Peppers

Add sliced red and green bell peppers around the pork before baking for extra color and flavor.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Pork Chops

• Steamed white rice
• Coconut rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Green beans
• Roasted broccoli
• Grilled vegetables
• Garden salad

Can I Use Canned Pineapple?

Yes. Canned pineapple rings are ideal for this recipe because you can use both the fruit and the pineapple juice in the glaze.

Choose pineapple packed in juice rather than heavy syrup if possible.

Can I Use Fresh Pineapple?

Yes. Fresh pineapple slices can be used, but you will need separate pineapple juice for the glaze.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The glaze can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The pork chops can also be seasoned several hours before cooking.

For the best texture, sear and bake the pork shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftover pork chops and glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Allow the pork chops to cool completely.

Transfer them with some of the glaze to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat covered in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through.

Add a spoonful of sauce or a splash of pineapple juice before reheating to help keep the pork moist.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Rest Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired American
• Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving, depending on pork chop size

Frequently Asked Questions

What pork chops work best for this recipe?

Thick-cut boneless pork chops work especially well because they stay juicy while the glaze caramelizes.

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes. Bone-in chops work well but may require slightly longer baking time.

What temperature should pork chops reach?

Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part before serving.

Why are my pork chops dry?

Pork chops usually become dry from overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and remove them from the oven when they reach the proper internal temperature.

Can I make the glaze ahead?

Yes. Prepare the glaze up to two days ahead and refrigerate it until needed.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Yes. Fresh pineapple works well, but canned pineapple is convenient because the juice can also be used in the glaze.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes. Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili garlic sauce to the glaze.

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes. Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Store cooled pork chops with some of the glaze in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.

Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Chops with Brown Sugar Glaze combine tender pork, caramelized pineapple, and a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce in an easy oven-baked dinner.

Serve them with rice, potatoes, or vegetables and spoon plenty of the warm pineapple glaze over the top for the best flavor.