Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction

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

Juicy pork chops grilled and brushed with a sweet and smoky bourbon glaze, served with a tangy apple cider reduction to complement the rich flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 3 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly into a glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In another small saucepan, pour 1 cup apple cider and simmer over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy. Set aside to cool.
  3. Step 3: Rub 4 bone-in pork chops with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chops for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing generously with the bourbon glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve drizzled with the apple cider reduction for a balanced sweet and tangy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction?

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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction?

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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction?

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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