Jack Daniel’s Marinated Pork Chops Recipe + Video
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Jack Daniel’s Marinated Pork Chops are soaked in a fabulous mixture of Jack and spices. The red chili pepper gives these pork chops a little heat, but the whiskey adds such an amazing smoky and sweet flavor that you really have to try this recipe! Perfect on the grill or in the oven.
You’re about to learn about my favorite pork chop marinade. This works for thinner chops as well as thick-cut pork chops, making it a great choice for big flavors during a busy weeknight.
Everyone knows that a good marinade is a must when cooking bone-in pork chops – trust me, this recipe is the best way to cook tender pork!
The good news is that you only need a few marinade ingredients to whip up the simple marinade, so that’s a total bonus as well!
Scroll to the bottom of this post to get all the details from the recipe card to get started!
Table of Contents
Marinated Pork Chops
Pork chops are an old family staple, but I was always afraid that the grill would dry them out.
After coming up with the best grilled pork chop marinade, I’m pleased to announce that the pork chops turned out incredibly moist — my husband declared them his favorite chops ever!
The Jack Daniels marinade features a few spices for heat, plus molasses for deep, rich flavor.
Recipe Video
In fact, these marinated pork chops were so addicting that I had to come up with a few more Jack Daniels recipes!
This bacon mac and cheese has certainly become a favorite, but the salted caramel fudge brownies were the most surprising creation!
They have just enough smoky flavor to make each bite a little more interesting.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Pork – Look for bone-in chops that are 1/2 – 3/4 inch thick. I don’t recommend boneless pork chops, as they tend to dry out on the grill.
- Whiskey – Of course, I recommend a bottle of Jack for Jack Daniels recipes!
Feel free to swap in your favorite whiskey, or use apple cider vinegar for an alcohol-free version of these marinated pork chops (but the alcohol does cook off either way). - Molasses – This provides richness to the Jack Daniels marinade and complements the smoky flavor. Find it near the maple syrup or in the baking aisle.
- Chili Pepper Paste – I use Gourmet Garden, which can be found in the produce section with the herbs.
You could use any of the varieties in the international aisle, though they may be a bit hotter.
Remember that when it comes to making the best pork chop marinade, have fun with the flavors! The first time you make this recipe, follow the recipe card, but the next time?
Try other tastes! You can add fresh herbs, spicy brown mustard, dark brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and any other simple ingredients that you like!
Grilled Pork Chop Marinade Tips
- The longer, the better! Let the meat sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes but up to overnight.
Extra time allows the chops to really soak up the flavor, plus it helps to tenderize the meat as well. I just add the delicious marinade and the pork into a resealable bag, and give it time. - Make a Jack Daniels glaze. Simply double the recipe, then use half for the grilled pork chop marinade and cook the other half on the stove.
Bring to a boil, then simmer until the Jack Daniels marinade reduces by half. I like to brush it over the chops while they cook, then serve the rest on the side for dipping. - Don’t have a grill? You can prepare these marinated pork chops in a cast iron skillet or cast iron pan.
Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chops on both sides. Then, place the skillet in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Nothing pairs better with grilled pork chops than a refreshing cole slaw! You could also make a big batch of potato or pasta salad for a large cookout.
And when summer fruit is at its peak, try my Orange Honey Rainbow Fruit Salad.
Jack Daniels Recipes FAQ
Yes — in fact, I tend to make it by the bucketful in the summertime!
Once reduced and thickened, allow the Jack Daniels glaze to cool. Transfer to an airtight container (I love to use Mason jars) and refrigerate for a week or two.
Both the USDA and National Pork Board advise that all pork — including chops and roasts — should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Then, allow a 3-minute resting time before slicing. This allows for any thermometer discrepancies and ensures that each bite is tender and juicy.
When cooking pork, paying attention to the internal temperature is important. I recommend having a meat thermometer as an easy way to get an accurate reading.
While not advised, it’s possible to check pork doneness by touch. Press down in the center of the chop with your tongs — if it’s soft, it’s still raw in the middle. You don’t want it to be solid and firm, though, as that means it’s very well done.
Aim for firm to the touch with a little give when pressed in the center. The meat should also be pale pink or white when sliced.
This really is the best pork chop marinade recipe, and it pairs well with anything! I love pairing the thick pork chops with cooked sweet potatoes or some vegetable skewers during the grilling season. Home cooks will add this to their favorite recipe list because of its versatility! Use this easy marinade on all your pork recipes and have fun with the side dishes.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Pork Chop Recipes
Jack Daniel’s Marinated Pork Chops Recipe + Video
Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons molasses
- ½ cup Jack Daniels Whiskey
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili pepper paste, I used Gourmet Garden
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 pounds bone in pork chops, ½” – ¾” thick
Instructions
- Combine ingredients (except pork chops) in a medium size bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add pork chops to a gallon size resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over pork chops. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium high. Place pork chops on grill and sear on both sides. Remove to indirect heat and cook until done.
- Place the pork chops on the grill and sear both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Move the pork chops away from the flame. Cook over indirect heat with the grill closed until they are somewhat firm to the touch or until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the center of a chop, away from the bone, registers 145°F, about 15 minutes.
- Transfer the pork chops to a platter and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published June 2013, updated and republished April 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
You know that I'm going to have to try a version of this! Nicely done!
This looks exciting, flavor bursting on one's tongue. Would like to try this one. Bet it tastes good even with chicken or beef.
Where do you get the chilli paste
You can usually find it in the international aisle. But, I used Gourmet Garden which is in the produce aisle at your local market or grocery store. Hope the helps. Let me know if you need more help.
I have made this sauce it is great we use it on all meats looking for more too use it on.
is there a substitute I can use to replace the alcohol?
The alcohol will cook off if that is your concern. You could also use apple cider vinegar in its place, Jack has such a unique flavor that it will taste different, but it will be spectacular.
Enjoy! Let us know how it goes.
Donna
Hi!!
I made this marinade yesterday and put some rib eye steaks in it for about 6 hours. OMG!!!! They were the best steaks I have ever made and my husband said lets try it on chicken and pork chops!!
My husband is like Mikey, he'll eat anything but he LOVED this Jack Daniels Double Kick Pork Chops marinade!!
Can't wait to try it on the chops!!
Thank you so much!!!!
Vicki I am so excited to hear you loved these! Let us know how the pork chops go too!
Hello, The glaze i made water not thick, what can I do to thicken it
I made Rib Eye Steaks last night with this marinade. They were fabulous!!
My husband raved about them. I will be trying Jack Daniels Double Kick Pork Chops marinade on pork chops and chicken.
Thank you for such a great recipe!!
I tried it on Ribeyes last weekend and on Sunday we marinaded 2 whole chickens in it and made them Beer Butt style. The only thing I changed was Sugar to Truvia.
OMG!!! Everyone loved it!! I made a little extra for dipping sauce. It has been a huge HIT at my house!! Thank you!!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
I live in an apartment and don't have access to a grill. Do you have an oven version ?
Hi Cindy! Thanks for stopping by. I would sear them in a greased cast iron skillet and then place the skillet in a 350 degree oven until they are cooked through (about 5-10 minutes). Enjoy.
The pork chops look like there is a sauce poured over them, do you boil down the marinade and use that?
The first time, I doubled the marinade and put half in the bag and cooked the other half. After that I just started using this recipe whenever I wanted the sauce: http://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2013/07/jack-daniels-double-kick-grill-sauce.html
It is a good question. I do not see any answers to it. The sauce look amazing> should I reserve some before marinating and cook it off for a sauce. Matt sends…….cwo_scott@yahoo.ca
sounds delish!!!!!!!!! I make my meatloaf with Jack and it is so fantastic just ground beef onion egg ketchup jack and finely chopped bell pepper…yummmmm
what would you recommend for a sugar substitute?
What would you reccomend for sugar substitute?
Can you omit the chili paste – I really don't like spicy sauces…………
can you use this marinade on a pork loin?
My new favorite pork chop recipe! These came out so good!
We loved it. I didn’t have Jack Daniels but used the apple cider vinegar. I fried them with a little of the sauce, when done to temperature, shutoff the stove (gas) and pour the rest over the chops, it sizzled and thickened.
On another note, I down loaded one of your books, now I can’t find it. I read through it. Do you have any ideas?