These pork chops in an Irish whiskey cream sauce make a simple but special dinner for two!
What can I say? It's hard to go wrong with big, juicy pork chops, mushrooms, and a boozy cream sauce.
I was invited by a few of my blogger buddies to take part in a St. Patrick's Day recipe roundup, so that's how this whiskey pork chops recipe came to fruition. Ok, this may not exactly be traditional Irish fare, but I couldn't resist making a delicious sauce out of some Irish whiskey. Making a whiskey sauce has been on my radar for a while now, and this was the perfect opportunity. I admit I don't really celebrate St. Patrick's Day myself, but that's ok. 😉
Let's talk about these pork chops. I bought fairly thick ones (like over 1" thick), so they're definitely not the fast-fry variety. To take care of that, I used my trusty oven-proof skillet and let the oven do the majority of the cooking after I seared them. To cook pork properly, it should reach an internal temperature of 145F. That temperature ensures they're cooked enough but don't go leathery. You will see a hint of pink, and that's totally fine.
You can use thinner pork chops for the recipe just be sure to adjust cooking time so they aren't overcooked.
You'll see plenty of peppercorns in my photos, but I would like to point out that if you don't like the potent flavor of whole peppercorns, it's possible to phorget them.
I went a little crazy with the peppercorns. I'll tone it down next time, and I adjusted the recipe to reflect that one teaspoon is probably the max you want to add.
So. Do you celebrate St. Paddy's Day? I don't know, I just never really got into it. I sometimes wear green if I remember. Back in the day mean people used to pinch me because of that leprechaun tradition. Bad memories really. 😛
Here's those fabulous St. Patrick's Day recipes from my lovely fellow food bloggers:
A big thanks to Lynn for organizing this!
And, without further ado, here's the whiskey pork chops recipe:
Pork Chops in an Irish Whiskey Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 thick pork chops bone-in
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 7 ounces crimini mushrooms sliced
- 1/3 cup Irish whiskey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mixed peppercorns or to taste (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position. Season pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the olive oil to a large, oven-proof skillet on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side (don't move them around until it's time to flip them) until they're nicely golden/browned. Turn the heat down if they start to splatter a lot. Remove chops from the pan and set aside.
- Add the butter and onions to the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the whiskey and garlic, and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the cream, nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and peppercorns (if using). Put the pork chops back in the pan.
- Place the skillet in the oven until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145F in the thickest part. The timing will really depend on how thick your pork chops are and how cool they were when you added them back into the pan (10-15 minutes is a good starting point for 1" thick chops. If you find they're still not done, continue cooking and check every few minutes.). If your pork chops are thinner than 3/4 inch, I would suggest checking them before 10 minutes so you don't overcook them.
- Season with extra salt & pepper if needed. Serve immediately. These are delicious with mashed potatoes (try colcannon for an Irish twist).
Recipe Notes
- This recipe is intended for fairly thick pork chops (around 1" thick). For the thinner, fast-fry varieties, I would cut down cooking time (searing time and time in oven) so you don't overcook them. Make sure to check them often. At 145F, pork chops will still have a hint of pink, but won't be overdone.
Will you try these pork chops in an Irish whiskey cream sauce?
Betty Murphy says
Wonderful recipe. I did brine the pork chops overnight but other than that, followed your recipe exactly. Would not change a thing, this one is a keeper!
Natasha says
I'm so happy you liked it, Betty!! Thanks for letting me know.
Spencer Cundy says
I cooked this dish last night 1"thick pork sirlion chops . My wife was very impressed.
Natasha says
Wonderful! So happy it was a hit! 🙂
Steve says
Tried these and they were fantastic. I will definitely make them again
Natasha says
Excellent! So happy to hear that.
Tessa | Salted Plains says
That whiskey sauce sounds amazing! Adding this one to my list!
Natasha says
Thanks, Tessa!
Giselle @ The Busy Spatula says
I like my pork chops thick and juicy too. I love pepper and the sauce looks amazing. 🙂
Natasha says
Thanks, Giselle! 🙂
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
I am the queen of pepper and believe that you can never have enough. . .so keep peppering on Natasha!!! I'm completely loving these pork chops. That whiskey sauce is to die for and I bet it's tasty other types of meat (my chicken is begging for it).
Natasha says
Thanks, Lynn! 🙂 Yeah, I'm thinking this sauce would definitely work with other meats!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
You can't go wrong with some pork chops and a boozy cream sauce! I love the peppercorns in here!
Natasha says
Thanks, Rachelle!
Tamara says
Whiskey and cream? Yes please! I love a nice thick pork chop, and this sauce looks and sounds dreamy... And, I'm all over the peppercorns! Pinning!
Natasha says
Thanks, Tamara!! ????
annie@ciaochowbambina says
You can never go wrong with big, juicy pork chops, mushrooms, and a boozy cream sauce! This will sure to be on our menu, soon! Love these chops!!
Natasha says
Thanks, Annie!! Hope you guys enjoy them!
Ruby & Cake says
I have never tried pork chops before but as I am re-entering the world of meat eating I think I will have to give these a good try! They look so good
Natasha says
Thank you! I really hope you like them.
Marissa says
You just made my husband really happy! This is the perfect St. Paddy's day dinner for two in our house
Natasha says
Haha nice!!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Hold up, did you say this makes a perfect dinner for two? Maybe... but in my case it makes a perfect dinner for one, because ain't NO way I'm sharing these hunk-a-hunk-a-beautiful chops! 😉 Seriously, Natasha, these look absolutely PERFECT! I LOVE that you used thick cut chops! Plus those mushrooms? YUM! And that boozy cream sauce? HEAVEN! This dinner has my name written ALL over it!! I wish I could reach through my screen and steal these porky bad boys!!! Pinned of course! Cheers, girlfriend! <3
Natasha says
Thanks so much Cheyanne! <3
Meg | Meg is Well says
This dish is just so amazingly delicious looking! Seriously-all that creamy goodness is making me go glassy eyed. I love thick pork chops like this, especially with strong flavors coating the outside layer! I would probably be okay with all the peppercorns! I don't really celebrate St. Patrick's day with a party or anything. I'll maybe remember to wear green and treat myself to delicious food.
Natasha says
Aw thank you! Yeah, I'm definitely low-key about it too!
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
This is talking to me. Really. It said dig in and thanks Natasha. 🙂 BTW, the more peppercorns the better, it looks amazing.
Natasha says
Hahaha thanks, Kevin. 🙂
Milena | craftbeering.com says
In our family it is all about the pig - the most delicious red meat ever, best partner to craft beer.. and Irish whiskey seems like. I bet this sauce is very flavorful. Irish cream just got a whole new meaning:)
Natasha says
Thanks, Milena! I think pork is underrated!
Cindy says
I am with you, I love peppercorns. Bring on the spice with this creamy boozy pork chops. Shoot, I might skip dessert and go right to proper seconds on this guy. Love the recipe, thanks a million for sharing.
Natasha says
Thank you, Cindy! I'd skip dessert too 🙂
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
This looks like absolute perfection and I want to dive right in. That sauce! Love it!
Natasha says
Thanks so much, Karen!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
You are speaking my language here, Natasha! Skillet pork chops, cream and whiskey! Yes, I will be trying this one 🙂 Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Natasha says
Thanks, Jennifer!! Let me know if you do try it 🙂
Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com says
I could take a bath in that sauce Natasha! And of course that whiskey is perfect for the holiday. We usually celebrate St. Patrick's Day with our Irish friends. But, hey, aren't we all a little Irish on the 17th! Cheers!
Natasha says
Thanks, Kathy!! I'm not sure I have any Irish friends, but now I wish I did! Haha
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Whiskey cream sauce? Woo hoo! Sounds perfect to me and I do love a lot of peppery flavour so I don't mind all the peppercorns 🙂 Pinned! We don't do much to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but I do know that I will be digging into these wicked recipes! Have a good one, Natasha!
Natasha says
Aw thanks, Dawn!! ????????
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
My husband grew up eating pork chops. It's one of his favorites Natasha! Can't wait to try your version. He's going to love the sauce!
Natasha says
Thanks, Mary Ann! Let me know if you guys do try it.