Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops (Print version)

Juicy pork chops simmered in sweet apple butter sauce with cinnamon-spiced apples and onions.

# What you need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 bone-in pork chops, 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

# Directions:

01 - Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, pressing seasoning into meat.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Sear pork chops for 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
03 - Add sliced onions and apples to the same skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Whisk together apple butter, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
05 - Pour sauce mixture into skillet with apples and onions. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Return pork chops and accumulated juices to skillet. Spoon sauce over chops. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
07 - Remove from heat. Let pork chops rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve topped with caramelized apples, onions, and additional sauce from the pan.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together with pantry staples you probably already have sitting in your refrigerator
  • Bone in chops stay incredibly juicy and tender even after simmering in the sweet apple butter mixture
02 -
  • Using a meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of knowing when the pork is perfectly done
  • The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands so do not worry if it looks a bit thin right after simmering
03 -
  • Let the pork chops come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking for even results
  • Do not rush the sear step because that golden crust creates the foundation of flavor

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