In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This marinade combines sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors to enhance the pork.
Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
Sear the pork chops in the hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. This step adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the chops.
Pour the reserved marinade over the pork chops in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chops.