Irresistible Whiskey Butter Glazed Pork Chops

Have you gathered all the ingredients listed above? If so, let's get started and make this delicious Whiskey Butter Glazed Pork Chops!

02 Step-by-Step Instructions 

1. Prep the Pork Chops (5 minutes)

• Remove the pork chops from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This ensures they cook more evenly.

• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps achieve a golden, crispy crust when searing.

• In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, and mustard powder.

• Rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork chops, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. Set aside while you heat the pan.

2. Sear the Pork Chops (6–8 minutes)

• Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and heat until it starts shimmering.

• Place the pork chops in the skillet, making sure not to crowd them. Sear the pork chops 3–4 minutes on each side, until both sides are golden brown and a rich crust has formed. Use tongs to sear the edges if needed for even browning.

3. Make the Whiskey Butter Glaze (5 minutes)

• While the pork chops are searing, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter.

• Add the whiskey and bring it to a simmer, allowing the alcohol to cook off for about 1–2 minutes.

• Stir in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir constantly until the glaze thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.

• If the glaze is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

4. Finish Cooking the Pork Chops (5–6 minutes)

• Once the pork chops have a golden sear, reduce the heat to medium.

• Brush the tops of the chops generously with the whiskey butter glaze. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, occasionally brushing more glaze on the chops, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F / 60°C.

• Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet during the last minute of cooking, basting the chops with the melted butter for extra richness.

5. Rest and Serve (5 minutes)

• Remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise to 145°F / 63°C for optimal juiciness.

• Serve the pork chops with any remaining whiskey butter glaze spooned over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

03 Alternative Cooking Methods

Oven Finish

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F / 205°C.

2. Sear the pork chops in a hot skillet (as per the stovetop instructions), then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

3. Roast the chops for 6–8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F / 63°C.

4. Finish with glaze: Brush the glaze on the chops during the last minute of roasting.

5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Grill

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (425–450°F / 220–230°C).

2. Sear the pork chops over direct heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

3. Move the chops to indirect heat and brush with the whiskey butter glaze.

4. Close the lid and grill for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F / 63°C.

5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

04 Pro Tips & Adjustments

• Meat Thickness: Adjust cooking times based on chop thickness. Thicker chops will take longer to cook through.

• Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the whiskey butter mixture for an additional 2 minutes to reduce it further.

• Add Heat: For a spicier glaze, consider adding 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the whiskey butter mixture.

• Resting: Don’t skip the resting step—it’s essential to lock in the juices for a tender chop.

05 Suggested Sides

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Polenta

• Grilled Asparagus or Sautéed Green Beans

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with balsamic glaze

• Cornbread or Buttered Dinner Rolls

06 Nutrition (Estimate Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal

• Protein: ~32 g

• Fat: ~30 g

• Carbohydrates: ~20 g

• Sodium: ~800 mg

07 Quick Recipe Card (Copy/Paste)

Sear 4 bone-in pork chops with a seasoning rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, and mustard. Prepare a whiskey butter glaze with whiskey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce. Brush glaze onto pork chops during the last minutes of searing or oven roasting. Rest 5 minutes before serving with extra glaze.