Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops (Printable)
Tender pork chops in a sweet and savory apple butter sauce with caramelized onions and warm cinnamon spices.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
→ Fruits & Vegetables
02 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
03 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Sauce & Pantry
05 - 1/2 cup apple butter
06 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
# How to Prepare:
01 - Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned pork chops for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add sliced onions and apples. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together apple butter, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
05 - Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the apples and onions. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Return the pork chops and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops to coat.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until pork chops reach 145°F internal temperature and are tender.
08 - Remove from heat and let the pork chops rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve topped with the caramelized apples, onions, and extra sauce from the skillet.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce comes together with pantry staples and delivers that sweet savory magic that makes everyone ask for seconds
- Bone in chops stay juicy while the apples break down into a chunky confit that tastes like autumn decided to visit your kitchen
02 -
- Resist the urge to crank up the heat once the sauce is in the pan or the apple butters natural sugars will burn and turn bitter
- Letting the pork rest after cooking makes a huge difference in juiciness so dont skip those couple minutes
03 -
- Start checking the pork temperature a few minutes early if your chops are thinner than an inch
- If the sauce reduces too much just add a splash more broth to loosen it back up