Make It Count Kitchen

This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication — juicy, golden-brown seared pork chops paired with caramelized sriracha-honey glazed carrots topped with creamy goat cheese and crushed pistachios. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together easily at home, combining smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors in every bite.

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🥩 Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 3 bone-in pork chops
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Carrots:

• 3 whole carrots, sliced into chunks
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp sriracha
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp goat cheese
• 2 tbsp crushed pistachios

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork Chops

Season pork chops generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight in the fridge) to help the flavors soak in and tenderize the meat.

2. Cook the Pork Chops

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil if needed.
Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Remove from heat, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest while you prepare the carrots.

3. Prepare the Carrots

Toss the sliced carrots with avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Place them in the air fryer at 380°F for 10–15 minutes, depending on how thick your carrot chunks are.

4. Make the Sriracha-Honey Glaze

While the carrots cook, whisk together sriracha, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth.

5. Glaze and Finish

Halfway through cooking, remove the carrots and toss them in ¾ of the glaze. Return them to the air fryer for the remaining time so the sauce caramelizes and coats the carrots beautifully.

6. Plate and Garnish

Once the carrots are done, drizzle with the remaining glaze, then sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and crushed pistachios for a creamy-crunchy finish.

Serve the pork chops alongside the glazed carrots for a perfectly balanced meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Add freshness: A squeeze of lemon juice over the carrots right before serving brightens the dish.
• Don’t skip the rest: Resting the pork chops ensures juicy, tender meat every time.
• No air fryer? Roast the carrots at 400°F for 20–25 minutes in the oven, adding the glaze halfway through.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love It

This dish is simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests. The sriracha-honey glaze gives the carrots a crave-worthy sweet heat, while the creamy goat cheese and nutty pistachios bring contrast and texture. Paired with perfectly seared pork chops, it’s a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner that tastes as good as it looks.