Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Maple-Mustard Sauce

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

Tender pork chops pan-seared and finished with a rich whiskey, maple syrup, and mustard glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 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 350 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: 15 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 evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper 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 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F), then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Carefully pour in 1/3 cup whiskey, scraping the browned bits from the pan, then stir in 2 tbsp pure maple syrup and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard.
  5. Step 5: Simmer the glaze for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy, then whisk in 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves until glossy.
  6. Step 6: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them for 1 minute to coat and warm through before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Maple-Mustard Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Maple-Mustard 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Maple-Mustard 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Maple-Mustard 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Maple-Mustard 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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