Bourbon Blackberry Pork Chops (Printable Version)

Tender pan-seared pork chops coated in a rich bourbon blackberry glaze, ready in 25 minutes for a satisfying weeknight meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Blackberry Glaze

01 - ½ cup blackberry preserves
02 - ¼ cup water
03 - 2 tablespoons bourbon
04 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 - ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
08 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
09 - ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

→ Pork Chops

10 - 1½ pounds boneless pork chops (about 4 chops, ¾ to 1-inch thick)
11 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
13 - ½ teaspoon paprika
14 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
15 - 1½ cups fresh blackberries, divided
16 - Fresh thyme for garnish

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Whisk together blackberry preserves, water, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl until fully combined. Set aside.
02 - Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Mix 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Season both sides of the pork chops evenly with this mixture.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
04 - Transfer cooked pork chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
05 - Add 1 cup fresh blackberries to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, for 2–3 minutes until berries soften and release their juices.
06 - Pour prepared blackberry glaze into the skillet with softened blackberries. Stir to combine and simmer for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
07 - Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning glaze over them. Simmer 1–2 minutes more until chops are coated and heated through. Plate the pork chops, spoon bourbon blackberry glaze generously over the top, and garnish with reserved fresh blackberries and fresh thyme sprigs.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bourbon blackberry glaze strikes this perfect balance between sweet and savory that makes every bite interesting
  • Everything happens in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner
  • These pork chops manage to feel fancy enough for date night while being simple enough for Tuesday
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing or the chops will steam instead of develop that beautiful caramelized crust
  • The glaze thickens quickly as it cools, so do not worry if it seems slightly thin in the pan
  • Always use a meat thermometer rather than judging doneness by appearance or timing alone
03 -
  • Let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking for more even results
  • Warm the bourbon slightly before adding it to the glaze to help it incorporate more smoothly
Go Back