Smoked Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Chops
Pan-seared pork chops coated in a smoky bourbon and maple syrup glaze for a sweet and robust flavor profile. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs chops (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, bourbon, pure maple syrup 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.
Ingredients
- 4 chops (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika on both sides.
- 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 golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
- Step 3: Remove pork chops to a plate and keep warm. Reduce heat to medium and add 1/4 cup bourbon and 1/3 cup pure maple syrup to the skillet, stirring to combine and scraping up browned bits.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter and simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes until thickened and syrupy.
- Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them to coat well. Serve immediately with extra glaze drizzled on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Chops take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Smoked Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Chops?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Chops?
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 Smoked Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Chops 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 Smoked Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Chops?
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.
