Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Kansas City BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops grilled to perfection and brushed with a rich, tangy bourbon-infused Kansas City-style barbecue sauce. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends bourbon whiskey, ketchup, packed brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, and cook for 10 minutes until thickened and glossy, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 bone-in pork chops with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Place pork chops on the grill and cook for 4 minutes per side, brushing generously with the bourbon barbecue sauce every 2 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra bourbon barbecue sauce on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Kansas City BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Kansas City BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Kansas City BBQ Sauce?

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 Kansas City BBQ Sauce 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 Kansas City BBQ Sauce?

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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