Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Slaw
Juicy grilled pork chops brushed with a sweet bourbon glaze paired with a crisp, tangy apple slaw for a perfect balance of flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 large, julienned green apple
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 medium, grated carrot
- 1, thinly sliced celery stalk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. Simmer over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until thickened to a glaze consistency; remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves on both sides.
- Step 3: Brush pork chops liberally with half the bourbon glaze and grill for 5 minutes per side, brushing with remaining glaze during the last 2 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and edges are caramelized.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp honey until emulsified.
- Step 5: Add 1 large julienned green apple, 2 cups shredded red cabbage, 1 grated carrot, and 1 thinly sliced celery stalk to the bowl. Toss well to coat with dressing and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Serve grilled bourbon-glazed pork chops hot with a side of fresh apple slaw for a bright, crunchy contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Slaw?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon whiskey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Slaw?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Slaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Slaw?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.