These Apple Pork Chops are absolutely dreamy-juicy, tender chops seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious, sweet-and-savory apple pan sauce! Every bite brings the rich flavors of fresh apples, aromatic herbs, and succulent pork together for a combination that is downright irresistible.
What makes this recipe a must-try is how effortlessly it comes together in just one skillet. It's comfort food at its finest, yet surprisingly quick and easy, so you can make it any night of the week.
This dish has been a family favorite in my kitchen for years-especially when the weather turns cool and apples are at their peak. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight, a simple Sunday supper, or even impressing guests during the holidays.
Pair it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread and you've got a perfectly satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-skillet preparation for easy cleanup-no mess, no stress!
- The sweet and savory apple sauce transforms simple pork chops into something special.
- Ready in under an hour-perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and fresh apples.
Key Ingredients for Apple Pork Chops
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Bone-in Pork Chops
Pork chops are the star of this show, delivering juicy, tender meat that soaks up all the delicious flavors from the apples and herbs. Opt for bone-in pork chops around 1-inch thick-they stay moist during cooking and have the best flavor. Boneless chops will work in a pinch, but keep a close eye so they don't dry out.
Apples
Apples bring a subtle sweetness and a delicate tartness that perfectly complements the pork. Go for sturdy varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith-they hold their shape and offer great flavor. Slice them thick enough so they don't turn mushy while cooking.
Fresh Thyme
Fresh thyme adds a beautifully earthy, herbal note that balances the sweetness of the apples. If you don't have fresh, dried thyme works too-use about half the amount. Rosemary or sage are also fantastic for a more aromatic twist.
Onion
Sautéed onions enrich the sauce with a sweet, savory depth. Yellow or sweet onions are best, thinly sliced so they melt into the sauce. In a pinch, shallots can also lend a nice mild flavor.
Apple Cider
A splash of apple cider amplifies the apple flavor and helps create a silky, slightly tangy pan sauce. If you don't have cider, chicken broth with a teaspoon of honey or even white wine will do-each brings its own subtle twist.
Instructions for Apple Pork Chops
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Prep the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. This helps get a flavorful, golden crust.
Sear the Pork Chops
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add the pork chops. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked about 80% through. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Sauté the Onions and Apples
In the same skillet, add butter. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until starting to soften. Add apple slices and thyme and sauté another 3-4 minutes until the apples are lightly golden but not mushy.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the apple cider, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Scrape up the browned bits from the pan with a spoon-this adds so much flavor! If you like a thicker sauce, sprinkle in the flour and stir well.
Return the Pork and Simmer
Nestle the pork chops and any juices back into the skillet with the apples and onions. Simmer everything together for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through (145°F internal temperature) and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with additional thyme if desired. Plate the pork chops and spoon plenty of apples and sauce over the top. Serve warm!
Recipe Variations
Swap the Apples
Try using pears instead of apples for an elegant, slightly floral twist. Or combine apples with pears for festive flavor!
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of ground cinnamon to the apples and onions for a gentle heat or warm spice.
Make It Gluten-Free
Skip the flour or use your favorite gluten-free thickener to ensure a completely gluten-free meal.
Add More Veggies
Toss in thinly sliced carrots or fennel bulbs with the onions for more color and subtle sweetness.
Creamy Apple Pork Chops
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the very end for an extra-rich, velvety sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pork Chops are wonderful over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles-let those sauces soak in! For a fresher pairing, try with roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed green beans, or a crisp green salad. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a nutty crunch.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of apple cider or water if the sauce needs thinning. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through. For longer storage, freeze pork chops with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pork Chops (FAQ)
Q: What type of apples work best for Apple Pork Chops?A: Crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape and deliver the best flavor in this dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?A: Yes! You can cook the pork chops and sauce up to a day ahead, then gently reheat everything together just before serving.
Q: How do I know when my pork chops are fully cooked?A: Use a meat thermometer-the pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and rest for a few minutes before serving.
This cozy skillet dinner is the perfect blend of savory and sweet and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give these Apple Pork Chops a try, and let us know how they turned out-leave a comment and rating below!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 large apples, cored and sliced (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup apple cider (or apple juice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for enhanced sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
Instructions
-
1Pat pork chops dry, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
-
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove chops to a plate.
-
3Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté onions for 2-3 minutes until beginning to soften.
-
4Add apple slices and thyme to the onions. Cook 3-4 minutes more, stirring, until apples are golden around the edges but still hold their shape.
-
5Pour in apple cider, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar (if using). Scrape up browned bits. If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle in flour and stir until smooth.
-
6Return pork chops (with juices) to the skillet, nestling them into the apples and onions. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, or until pork is cooked through and sauce thickens.
-
7Garnish with extra thyme and serve pork chops topped with apples, onions, and plenty of the pan sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Leave a Reply