Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Relish

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

Juicy grilled pork chops brushed with a rich whiskey glaze, paired with a tangy apple and onion relish for balanced sweetness and acidity. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens into a syrupy glaze, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing generously with the whiskey glaze during the last 2 minutes on each side, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and edges are nicely caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss 1 diced medium apple, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled pork chops hot, topped with the apple-onion relish for a bright, sweet contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Relish 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 Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Relish?

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 whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Relish?

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 Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Relish 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 Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Relish?

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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