Spiced Virginia Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops

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

Juicy pork chops pan-seared and finished with a rich, spiced bourbon glaze inspired by Virginia's local spirits. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs bone-in pork chops, Virginia bourbon whiskey, brown sugar 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder, pressing the spices into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chops from the skillet and tent with foil. Lower heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/3 cup Virginia bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, scraping the browned bits off the skillet bottom. 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 glaze over them for 2 minutes to reheat and infuse flavor. Serve immediately with the bourbon glaze drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Virginia Bourbon 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 Spiced Virginia Bourbon 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 bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Virginia Bourbon 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 Spiced Virginia Bourbon 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 Spiced Virginia Bourbon 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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