Chops & Roasts

Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops

Name: Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 (1 1/2-inch thick) pork chops; 1/2 cup bourbon; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

By Wren Ashford · June 19, 2026 · Chops & Roasts

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops — Tender pork chops in a sweet bourbon glaze

There's something special about a perfectly cooked pork chop, and when you add a bourbon glaze to the mix, it's a whole new level of deliciousness. I still remember the first time I made bourbon glazed pork chops for my family - the combination of the tender meat, the caramelized crust, and the sweet and sticky glaze was a hit with everyone.

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both easy to make and impressive to serve. And let me tell you, these bourbon glazed pork chops deliver on both counts. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

So what makes these pork chops so special? For starters, the bourbon glaze is made with a combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and spices that adds a depth of flavor you won't find in your average pork chop recipe. And because we're using a glaze, we can get a nice caramelized crust on the pork chops without having to worry about them drying out.

Of course, the key to making great bourbon glazed pork chops is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook them with care. That means using thick-cut pork chops, fresh spices, and real bourbon (no substitutes, please!). It also means taking the time to cook the pork chops slowly and carefully, so that they're nice and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

If you're looking for a recipe that's sure to impress your friends and family, look no further than these bourbon glazed pork chops. With their rich flavors and tender texture, they're the perfect dish for any occasion. And the best part? They're actually pretty easy to make, as long as you're willing to put in a little bit of time and effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bourbon glazed pork chops are perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in
The combination of flavors is both rich and delicious, with a sweet and sticky bourbon glaze
The recipe is actually pretty easy to make, as long as you're willing to put in a little bit of time and effort
The pork chops are tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, thanks to the glaze and cooking technique
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food and is looking for a new twist on a classic dish
The bourbon glaze adds a depth of flavor that's hard to find in other pork chop recipes
This recipe is great for a crowd, as it makes a large number of servings and can be easily scaled up or down

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great bourbon glazed pork chops is all about the layers of flavor. First, we've got the pork chops themselves, which are seasoned with a blend of spices that adds depth and complexity. Then, we've got the bourbon glaze, which is made with a combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and spices that adds a sweet and sticky element to the dish.

But what really makes this recipe work is the way the flavors all come together. The bourbon glaze is sweet and sticky, but it's also got a nice depth of flavor from the bourbon and spices. And because we're using a glaze, we can get a nice caramelized crust on the pork chops without having to worry about them drying out.

Another key element of this recipe is the cooking technique. By cooking the pork chops slowly and carefully, we can get them nice and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. And because we're using a glaze, we can add a nice layer of flavor to the pork chops without having to worry about them drying out.

Overall, the combination of flavors and cooking technique in this recipe is what makes it so special. By using high-quality ingredients and cooking the pork chops with care, we can create a dish that's both delicious and impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making bourbon glazed pork chops, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. That's why we're using high-quality ingredients like thick-cut pork chops, fresh spices, and real bourbon. By using the best ingredients we can find, we can create a dish that's both delicious and impressive.

So what are the key ingredients in this recipe? For starters, we've got the pork chops themselves, which should be thick-cut and preferably bone-in. We're also using a blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the dish, including brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. And of course, we've got the bourbon, which is the star of the show in this recipe.

4 (1 1/2-inch thick) pork chopsLook for thick-cut pork chops that are preferably bone-in, as they will be more tender and flavorful
1/2 cup bourbonUse a high-quality bourbon that you would drink, as it will add a rich and complex flavor to the dish
1/4 cup brown sugarBrown sugar adds a sweet and caramelized flavor to the glaze, and helps to balance out the bourbon
2 tablespoons smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar
1 teaspoon saltSalt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the pork chops, and adds a savory element to the dish
1/2 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and savory flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the pork chops and add a rich and savory flavor to the dish
2 tablespoons butterButter is used to add a rich and creamy element to the glaze, and helps to balance out the bourbon
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the bourbon

Ingredients for Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or cast-iron panSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometer Cutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the glaze.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
4
Add the pork chops to the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and crispy.
5
Transfer the pork chops to a baking sheet and brush them with the glaze.
6
Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7
While the pork chops are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
8
Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it is fragrant and lightly browned.
9
Brush the garlic butter over the pork chops during the last 5 minutes of baking.
10
Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
11
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the pork chops and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality bourbon that you would drink, as it will add a rich and complex flavor to the dish.
Don't overcook the pork chops, as they can become dry and tough.
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Use a thermometer to ensure that the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the combination that you like best.
Consider serving the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to round out the meal.
If you don't have bourbon, you can substitute it with a different type of whiskey or even rum.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the pan with the pork chops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork chops, which can make them dry and tough.
Not using a thermometer to ensure that the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature.
Not letting the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the meat to become tough.
Using a low-quality bourbon that doesn't add much flavor to the dish.
Not whisking the glaze ingredients together well, which can result in a thick and chunky glaze.
Not brushing the garlic butter over the pork chops during the last 5 minutes of baking, which can add a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of whiskey or rum to change up the flavor of the glaze.
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the pan with the pork chops for extra flavor.
Use a different type of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, to change up the flavor of the glaze.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the glaze for extra flavor.
Try using a different type of meat, such as chicken or beef, to change up the dish.
Add some spice to the dish by using hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the glaze.
Try serving the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to round out the meal.

What to Serve With Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops

These bourbon glazed pork chops are perfect for serving with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. The sweetness of the glaze pairs well with the earthiness of the vegetables, and the richness of the pork chops is balanced by the lightness of the potatoes.

Some other ideas for serving the pork chops include serving them with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, or pairing them with a salad made with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette. Whatever you choose, the key is to find a balance between the richness of the pork chops and the lightness of the sides.

Roasted Brussels sproutsMashed potatoesRoasted sweet potatoesMixed greens salad with tangy vinaigretteGrilled asparagusSautéed spinach

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you're looking to make the bourbon glazed pork chops ahead of time, you can prepare the glaze and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply whisk the ingredients together and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

To freeze the pork chops, cook them as directed and then let them cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the pork chops overnight in the fridge and then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they're heated through.

To reheat the pork chops without drying them out, make sure to wrap them tightly in foil and heat them low and slow. You can also add a little bit of liquid to the pan, such as chicken broth or water, to help keep the pork chops moist.

Overall, the key to storing and reheating the bourbon glazed pork chops is to be gentle and patient. By taking the time to prepare the glaze ahead of time and to reheat the pork chops low and slow, you can ensure that they stay tender and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bourbon should I use for the glaze?

You can use any type of bourbon that you like, but a high-quality bourbon with a rich and complex flavor will add the most depth to the dish.

Can I substitute the bourbon with a different type of whiskey or rum?

Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with a different type of whiskey or rum, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor of the dish.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

You can use a thermometer to ensure that the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also check for doneness by cutting into one of the pork chops and looking for a uniform color throughout.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply whisk the ingredients together and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

How do I store the pork chops after they're cooked?

You can store the pork chops in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, cook the pork chops as directed and then let them cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I reheat the pork chops without drying them out?

Yes, you can reheat the pork chops without drying them out by wrapping them tightly in foil and heating them low and slow. You can also add a little bit of liquid to the pan, such as chicken broth or water, to help keep the pork chops moist.

What's the best way to serve the pork chops?

The pork chops are perfect for serving with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. The sweetness of the glaze pairs well with the earthiness of the vegetables, and the richness of the pork chops is balanced by the lightness of the potatoes.

Can I make the dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and reheat it later. Simply cook the pork chops as directed and then let them cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

The Full Recipe

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