Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slaw

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

Pan-seared pork chops glazed with a smoky bourbon sauce paired with a crisp, tangy apple slaw for balance. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the bourbon glaze over them. Cook for 1 more minute to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss 1 julienned green apple, 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, and 1 grated carrot with 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, remaining 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve pork chops topped with the bourbon glaze alongside a generous portion of apple slaw for a refreshing contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slaw 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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slaw?

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 whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slaw?

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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slaw 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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slaw?

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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