Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Maple and Black Pepper

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops pan-seared and finished with a rich bourbon, maple syrup, and cracked black pepper glaze. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs bourbon, pure maple syrup, cracked black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp cracked black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F), then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the skillet. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup bourbon and 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, stirring to combine. Simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them, cooking for an additional 1 minute per side to absorb flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with the bourbon-maple glaze drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Maple and Black Pepper take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pork Chops with Maple and Black Pepper?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Maple and Black Pepper?

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 Pork Chops with Maple and Black Pepper 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 Pork Chops with Maple and Black Pepper?

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.

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