Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Apple Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops glazed with a sweet and smoky whiskey sauce, paired with a warm spiced apple relish for contrast and texture. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops, whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup whiskey, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp olive oil until smooth; set aside as glaze.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  3. Step 3: Place pork chops on the grill and cook for 4 minutes per side, brushing generously with whiskey glaze each time, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and chops are caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 small finely chopped red onion for 3 minutes until translucent.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 diced medium apples, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes until apples are tender and mixture thickens.
  6. Step 6: Serve pork chops hot topped with warm spiced apple relish alongside for a balance of smoky and sweet flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Apple Relish 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Apple Relish?

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 whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Apple Relish?

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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Apple Relish 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Apple Relish?

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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