Apple Pork Chops
Apple Pork Chops feature tender, golden-seared pork chops smothered in a sweet and savory caramelized apple sauce with warm cinnamon and fresh thyme. This quick skillet dinner delivers cozy fall flavors in just 30 minutes.
Equipment
- large skillet
- meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (3/4-inch thick)
- 2 large apples, sliced (Gala or Fuji)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.5 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the fresh thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add sliced apples and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until sugar dissolves and apples are coated in a glossy caramel.
- Pour in apple cider, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon apple sauce over them. Cook for 2 minutes to reheat. Garnish with remaining thyme and serve.
Notes
Use firm apples that hold their shape and cook pork chops to 145°F for the juiciest results.