Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Kentucky Bourbon Glaze

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

Juicy pork chops pan-seared and finished with a sweet and smoky bourbon glaze inspired by Kentucky flavors. This american-inspired french ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside on a warm plate. Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, carefully scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze, then stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the bourbon glaze over them for 1-2 minutes to warm through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Kentucky Bourbon Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Kentucky Bourbon 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 bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Kentucky Bourbon 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Kentucky Bourbon 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Kentucky Bourbon Glaze?

American french 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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