Apple Cider-Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops

Apple Cider Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops are a beautiful dish that melds the inherent richness of bone-in pork chops with the sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors of a rich glaze. Ideal for fall dinners or special events, this recipe unites basic ingredients in an elevated and indulgent manner.

The pork chops are generously seasoned with salt and ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors. They are then seared in extra virgin olive oil to create a beautifully golden-brown crust. Searing locks in the meat’s juices and creates flavorful browned bits at the bottom of the skillet, which is essential for the glaze. 

The glaze is where the magic happens. It begins with a base of apple cider, which brings a fruity, quintessentially autumnal sweetness. Whiskey is added to provide depth and a slight smoky bite, balancing the sweetness with warmth and complexity. Brown sugar amplifies the caramel-like notes of the glaze, while Dijon mustard introduces a tangy sharpness that keeps the flavors dynamic and layered. Fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the glaze with earthy, herbaceous undertones, and apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity to brighten the dish.

As the glaze simmers, it reduces into a thick, syrupy consistency, concentrating the flavors into a sticky, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the pork. A final addition of unsalted butter gives the glaze a silky finish, ensuring it coats the pork chops evenly and enhances their richness. When the chops are returned to the skillet, they’re based in the glaze, absorbing its sweet and savory goodness while staying juicy and tender.

For maximum flavor impact, serve the pork chops with a spoonful of the glaze drizzled over the top. Pair it with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a hearty, comforting meal, or with mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the sauce. 

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The combination of apple cider and whiskey makes this dish a standout choice for fall, evoking the warmth and coziness of the season. Whether hosting a dinner party or preparing a special family meal, these pork chops will impress with their bold flavors and elegant presentation. The recipe’s simplicity allows the quality of the ingredients to shine, while the glaze elevates it to a restaurant-quality dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Apple Cider Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops capture the essence of comfort food with a gourmet twist, bringing together sweet, tangy, and savory elements in perfect harmony. It’s a recipe that’s destined to become a seasonal favorite.

Apple Cider-Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Apple Cider Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops are a sumptuous and aromatic dish, featuring tender pork enveloped in a rich, sweet and tangy glaze of apple cider and whiskey, creating a perfect blend of comforting and sophisticated flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 cup apple cider

• 1/4 cup whiskey

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon rosemary, freshly chopped

• 1 teaspoon thyme, freshly chopped

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Season Pork Chops:
  Season the pork chops generously with salt and ground black pepper. Let them reach room temperature before cooking.
• Sear the Pork Chops:
  Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked to your liking. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
• Prepare the Glaze:
  Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the apple cider, whiskey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, rosemary, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Reduce the Glaze:
  Simmer the glaze for about 10 minutes, or until it reduces by half and thickens into a syrup-like consistency. Add the butter, and stir until it’s combined.
• Return the Pork Chops:
  Return the pork chops to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, basting the pork chops with the glaze.
• Serve:
  Remove from the heat, and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes. Serve the pork chops with the glaze spooned over the top. This dish pairs well with side dishes like roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.