Spiced Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Michigan Cherry Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops pan-seared and glazed with a rich bourbon sauce enhanced by tart Michigan cherries for a balanced sweet and smoky finish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 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 pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F). Remove chops and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey, scraping up brown bits from the pan, then add 1 cup Michigan tart cherries, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
  5. Step 5: Simmer the sauce for 6-8 minutes until cherries soften and sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and the sauce is glossy.
  7. Step 7: Return pork chops to the pan and spoon the cherry bourbon glaze over them for 1-2 minutes to reheat and coat evenly before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Michigan Cherry Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Michigan Cherry Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Michigan Cherry Sauce?

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 Spiced Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Michigan Cherry Sauce 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 Spiced Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops with Michigan Cherry Sauce?

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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