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Why You’ll Love My Recipe

Pork chops are an incredibly versatile cut, but the real magic lies in how well they absorb bold flavors. These Kentucky Bourbon Grilled Pork Chops are juicy, smoky, and perfectly sweet. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner!

Not sure what to serve with your pork chops? Try this Honey Butter Skillet Corn or my Sautéed Green Beans! And since you have the bourbon out for the marinade, it’s the perfect excuse to make a pitcher of Sparkling Bourbon Lemonade for the table!

A white plate with three grilled pork chops, next to a dish of green beans, orange slices, a pepper shaker, and part of a glass of water on a marble surface.

Karlynn’s Recipe Notes

Skill Level: This recipe is easy to make and feels much fancier than it actually is – perfect for a weeknight dinner that always impresses!
Total Time: From prep to marinating and cooking, these Kentucky Bourbon Grilled Pork Chops will be ready in about 1 hour.
Variations: Not a fan of Dijon mustard? Swap in stone-ground mustard in a 1:1 ratio for a similar tangy flavor, or use yellow mustard for a milder taste. Pair your pork chops with my Creamy Three Cheese Skillet Mac and Cheese and Homemade Baked Beans for the ultimate Southern comfort meal!
Tools for This Recipe: You will need a small bowl for the marinade, a sealed container for marinating the pork, tongs, and a grill for cooking.

A white plate with sliced cooked pork and a serving of green beans, garnished with chopped parsley, on a marble surface. A glass of water and a bowl of extra green beans are nearby.

What You’ll Need For Ingredients

Pork Chops: This recipe calls for pork loin chops! Choose chops that are at least 1-inch thick for juicy, oh-so-tender results. Thicker chops absorb the bourbon marinade beautifully and stay moist on the grill.

Bourbon: Bourbon gives these pork chops their signature sweet, smoky, and boozy flavor, perfectly complementing the hint of orange zest. Karlynn’s Tip: Use your favorite brand here – the taste comes through in every bite!

Four raw pork chops on a white tray, surrounded by orange halves, chopped herbs, mustard, soy sauce, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, and a small spoon with a red spice on a white marble surface.

Dijon Mustard: Mustard adds a bright, tangy zing that pairs well with the pork and bourbon, keeping every bite flavorful and balanced.

Hot Sauce: This adds just the right amount of kick to your pork chops. Not a fan of spice? No problem! Substitute with a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili powder for extra flavor without too much heat. Karlynn’s Tip: If you don’t have a favorite hot sauce on hand, here are my go-to picks, ordered from mild to hot: Frank’s Red Hot, Cholula, and Dawson’s Original Hot Sauce.

How To Make Kentucky Bourbon Grilled Pork Chops

This is a quick overview of the recipe. The full list of ingredients & complete step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.

A glass bowl with soy sauce, mustard, and a dab of red sauce sits on a marble counter near raw pork chops, fresh parsley, orange halves, chopped herbs, a spoon, and a striped cloth.

A bowl of marinade with a spoon, raw pork chops on a plate, fresh parsley, chopped herbs, and orange halves arranged on a marble countertop with a striped kitchen towel.

In a small bowl, add the mustard, molasses, bourbon, hot sauce, and grated orange rind. Mix well.
Marinate the pork chops in a sealed container in the fridge for 30-40 minutes.
Remove from the marinade and grill for 15-25 minutes, turning once or twice, until your chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145ºF.
Remove the pork chops from the grill, place them on a plate, and cover them with foil. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Sliced cooked pork chop on a wooden cutting board with parsley and orange slices, surrounded by green beans, orange halves, pepper, and a white napkin on a marble countertop.

Karlynn’s Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Kentucky Bourbon Grilled Pork Chops

Timing Is Everything: Don’t let the pork sit in the bourbon marinade for more than 40 minutes! The acids and spices can start to break down the meat, leaving it too soft for grilling.
Rest Before Slicing: Resting your chops after cooking is one of the most important steps, so don’t skip it (trust me, I know it’s hard to wait)! Cutting in too soon lets all the delicious juices spill out, leaving you with dry meat. Even just 5 minutes of resting helps keep every bite juicy and tender!
Second-Meal Magic: Have leftover pork chops? They’re delicious chopped into a breakfast hash, layered on a sandwich, or even added to a fresh salad!

A plate with a grilled pork chop and a serving of steamed green beans. Nearby are a dish of salt, two glasses of water, a serving plate of green beans, silverware, and a sprig of parsley on a white surface.

Storage Instructions

These Kentucky Bourbon Grilled Pork Chops are incredible straight from the grill, but they also reheat beautifully for later meals!

Refrigerator: Once cooled, transfer the chops to a shallow, airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them moist. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best taste.

Freezer: Wrap each chop individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, following USDA food safety guidelines. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!

More Delicious Pork Chop Recipes

If you loved these Kentucky Bourbon Grilled Pork Chops, these other Pork Chop recipes won’t disappoint:

Parmesan Panko Pork Chops are crispy, cheesy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner your family will love!
My Stuffed Pork Chops take your meal to the next level with a savory, veggie-packed filling that delivers every time.
Grilled Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and full of smoky goodness – a classic North American dinner!

That’s all, folks! These juicy Kentucky Bourbon Pork Chops are simple to make, full of bold flavor, and guaranteed to impress anyone at the table.

Give this recipe a try and don’t forget to share your results in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how your chops turned out!

Happy Cooking!

Karlynn