Hot Honey Pork Chops with Escarole and White Beans
Escarole, ‘scarole, and beans will always feel like home to me.
Growing up in Jersey, it was usually served as a cozy soup — simple, humble, and full of flavor. But this modern twist? Ohhhh. This one levels it up in the best possible way.
Tender, juicy pork chops nestled over garlicky escarole and creamy white beans, finished with sweet honey and fiery red pepper flakes. The combination of spicy + sweet + savory is absolute perfection.
It’s easy. It’s fast. It’s simple. And it tastes like something you’d order at a trendy restaurant.
Thank you to Epicurious for inspiring this delicious upgrade to a classic. You can find the original recipe here:
Hot Honey Pork Chops with Escarole and White Beans – Epicurious
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/hot-honey-pork-chops-with-escarole-and-white-beans
My version keeps all that bold flavor but fits perfectly into my weeknight rotation here in the Low Country.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes
- High-protein and nutrient-dense
- Naturally gluten-free
- Balanced flavors: sweet, heat, and savory depth
- A fresh take on classic Italian escarole and beans
If you grew up loving escarole and beans like I did, this is the glow-up you didn’t know you needed.
Hot Honey Pork Chops with Escarole & White Beans
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. organic extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 (1″-thick) boneless pork chops
(I used 2 very large pork chops and cut them in half) - 2 tsp. sea salt, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 2 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar, divided
- 1 (15-oz.) can organic white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 head escarole, coarsely chopped and washed
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Pork
Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Season pork chops on both sides with 1½ tsp. salt.
Cook pork until the underside is golden brown, about 1 minute. Turn and cook the other side for 1 minute. Continue turning every minute until chops are deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 135°F, about 6–8 minutes total.
Transfer pork to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
Pour off and discard all but 1 Tbsp of fat from the skillet.
Add garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant and just beginning to brown (about 1 minute).
Add honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp. vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bubbling, about 1 minute.
Remove from heat and adjust red pepper flakes to taste if you like it extra 🔥.
Step 3: Coat the Pork
Return pork chops to the skillet one at a time, flipping to thoroughly coat both sides in the hot honey sauce.
Transfer to a platter.
Step 4: Warm the Beans & Finish
To the skillet with remaining sauce, add:
- White beans
- Black pepper
- Remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- Remaining 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. vinegar
- Remaining 1 tsp. salt
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beans are warmed through (about 4 minutes).
Place chopped escarole on a serving platter. Top with pork chops and spoon the hot beans and sauce over everything. Toss lightly to coat and allow the heat to slightly wilt the escarole.
Serve immediately.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t overcook the pork — 135°F is perfect before resting.
- Like it milder? Cut the red pepper flakes in half.
- Want more greens? Add extra escarole — it wilts down beautifully.
- This reheats surprisingly well for lunch the next day.
The Final Verdict
This dish is nostalgic but modern. Comforting but bold. Healthy but indulgent.
It’s escarole and beans… but make it 🔥🍯.
And yes — you’ll absolutely be going back for seconds.
— Jacq 💛
Jersey girl cooking in the Low Country
Want more recipes like this?
💻 Visit: JacqFromJersey.com
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: Jacq From Jersey
📸 Follow along on Instagram @jacqfromjersey Instagram 2 @jacqsrox and TikTok for kitchen inspiration!
💛 Thank you for fueling my kitchen dreams! Your support keeps the recipes flowing and the pantry stocked. Cheers, Jacq 🥂🍝
https://buymeacoffee.com/jacqfromjersey
© 2026 Jacq From Jersey
Jacq from Jersey... 