In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth and fully combined. The sauce should have a uniform golden-brown color with no streaks. Set aside at room temperature—this sauce will be easier to spread on the pork if it's not cold.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving a golden-brown sear. Season both sides of each pork chop generously with salt and black pepper, making sure to season the edges as well. I like to let them sit for a minute after seasoning so the salt can begin to draw out moisture from the surface, which helps with browning.
Heat the cooking oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke. Carefully place the pork chops in the pan and sear for 3 minutes without moving them—this develops a flavorful brown crust. Flip each chop and sear for another 3 minutes on the second side. The chops should have a golden-brown exterior but won't be fully cooked through yet.
Remove the skillet from the heat and generously coat each seared pork chop on both sides with the honey mustard sauce from Step 1, using about 2-3 tablespoons per chop. Transfer the skillet to the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the thickest part. I always use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness—it's the most reliable way to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked pork.
Remove the skillet from the oven and switch your oven to broil setting. Place the skillet back under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent the sauce from burning. The sauce should bubble and caramelize slightly, developing deeper color and intensifying the honey mustard flavor. The pork chops will develop a beautiful mahogany glaze.
Remove the skillet from the broiler and let the pork chops rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and moist. Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle any pan sauce over the top.