Savory Maple-Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops
Indulge in these Savory Maple-Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops cooked to perfection in a crock pot. This delightful dish features tender, succulent pork loin chops infused with rich flavors of maple syrup and Jack Daniels whiskey, complemented by sweet onions. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal is not only easy to prepare but also impresses family and friends with its delicious and unique taste. Serve with your favorite sides for a comforting, wholesome dinner that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet onion
1 (Large, peeled and sliced)
Boneless pork loin chops
4 (Thick-cut, rinsed and patted dry)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Pure maple syrup
1/2 cup
Jack Daniels whiskey
1/4 cup
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Start by layering the peeled and sliced sweet onions at the bottom of a 4-5 quart slow cooker. This will serve as the flavorful base for the dish.
2
Take the thick-cut boneless pork loin chops and rinse them under cold water, then pat them dry using paper towels.
3
Generously season both sides of each pork chop with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
4
In a small mixing bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, Jack Daniels whiskey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
5
Dip each seasoned pork chop into the maple-wiskey mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Once coated, place the pork chops on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
6
Pour any remaining maple-wiskey mixture over the placed pork chops, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Maple-Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops?
This is a slow cooker dish featuring tender pork loin chops glazed with a mixture of maple syrup, Jack Daniels whiskey, and Dijon mustard, cooked over a bed of sweet onions.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for thick-cut boneless pork loin chops to ensure they remain juicy and tender during the slow cooking process.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
The pork chops should be cooked on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until they are tender and easily pull apart.
Can I cook this dish on the HIGH setting?
While LOW is recommended for the best texture, you can cook it on HIGH for approximately 2 to 3 hours, though the meat may not be quite as tender.
Do I need to sear the pork chops before adding them to the crock pot?
No, searing is not required for this recipe; the chops are seasoned and dipped in the glaze before being placed directly into the slow cooker.
What kind of onions should I use?
Large sweet onions are recommended as they provide a flavorful, slightly caramelized base for the pork.
Is the Jack Daniels whiskey necessary?
The whiskey provides a distinct depth of flavor, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute it with apple juice or additional maple syrup mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Can I use a different brand of whiskey?
Yes, any brand of whiskey or bourbon will work well in this glaze.
What type of maple syrup is recommended?
Pure maple syrup is highly recommended over pancake syrup for the best flavor and consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are generally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your Dijon mustard and whiskey to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used and often provide even more flavor, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What size slow cooker is needed?
A 4-5 quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I serve Savory Maple-Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of steamed rice to soak up the extra glaze.
Can I add extra vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add carrots or sliced potatoes at the bottom along with the onions for a complete one-pot meal.
Does the alcohol cook out of the whiskey?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the slow cooking process, leaving behind the rich flavor, though a trace amount may remain.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked pork chops?
Yes, the cooked pork chops and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What is the purpose of the Dijon mustard in the glaze?
The Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier for the glaze and adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey is a suitable substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly to a more floral sweetness.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit and is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the slow cooker juices 30 minutes before serving.
Can I make this recipe in an oven?
Yes, you can bake the ingredients in a covered casserole dish at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 60-90 minutes until the meat is tender.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No, the onions and the glaze provide enough moisture to cook the pork without adding extra water.
Can I use thin-cut pork chops?
Thin-cut chops can be used, but they cook much faster and may dry out; check them for doneness after 2-3 hours on LOW.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the dish is savory and sweet. If you want heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Ensure the pork chops are still mostly covered or coated in the glaze.
What if I don't have a sweet onion?
A standard yellow onion or a white onion will work as a substitute, though they are slightly more pungent.
Can I prepare this as a freezer meal?
Yes, you can combine the seasoned pork, onions, and glaze in a freezer bag and freeze raw. Thaw completely before placing in the slow cooker.
Should I rinse the pork chops?
The recipe mentions rinsing, but modern food safety guidelines often suggest skipping this step to avoid spreading bacteria. Patting them dry is the most important part for seasoning.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the sweetness from the maple syrup usually makes this a big hit with children.