Smoky Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Chops

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

Juicy pork chops seared and finished with a rich smoky bourbon and maple glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, smoked 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  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 per side until a golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 140°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork chops to a plate and tent with foil to rest. Pour off excess fat from the skillet, then add 1/3 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard to the pan.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves until melted and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them, cooking for 1-2 minutes more to rewarm and coat.
  7. Step 7: Serve pork chops drizzled with the bourbon-maple glaze alongside your favorite sides.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Bourbon-Maple Glazed Pork Chops 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 Smoky 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky 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 Smoky 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 Smoky 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.

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