These tender pork chops are seared to perfection and finished with a luscious bourbon-cherry sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.
🍴 Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup bourbon
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen or fresh pitted cherries
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
🔥 Instructions
Prep and Season the Pork:
Pat the pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chops:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Make the Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds. Carefully pour in the bourbon and cook for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in chicken broth, cherries, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Thicken and Finish:
If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.
Serve It Up:
Plate the pork chops and drizzle generously with the warm bourbon-cherry sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting, flavorful meal.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Make the Best Bourbon-Cherry Pork Chops
- 🥩 Cast Iron Skillet – Gives pork chops a gorgeous sear and even heat.
- 🍒 Frozen Dark Sweet Cherries – Perfect for making a rich and fruity glaze year-round.
- 🥃 Bourbon Whiskey – Adds bold, caramel flavor to the sauce—don’t skip it!
- 🧄 Garlic Press – Fresh garlic adds serious depth and this tool makes it quick and easy.
- 🥄 Stainless Steel Sauce Spoon – Ideal for glazing chops and drizzling sauce at the table.
- 🌡️ Digital Meat Thermometer – Ensure pork is cooked perfectly without drying out.
💡 Helpful Tip: Let the bourbon simmer before adding broth to cook off the alcohol and mellow the flavor—it brings out the cherry notes beautifully.
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