Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Maple Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops rubbed with Cajun spices and finished with a sticky maple glaze, grilled to perfection for a smoky, sweet-savory flavor. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this Cajun spice blend evenly over 4 bone-in pork chops.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the pork chops and rub to coat all sides. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  3. Step 3: Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached and the chops have nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: While the chops grill, combine 3 tbsp pure maple syrup and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the maple glaze over both sides of the pork chops, allowing it to caramelize slightly on the heat.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Maple Glaze 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Maple Glaze?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Maple Glaze?

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 Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Maple Glaze 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 Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Maple Glaze?

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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