These Apple Cider Pork Chops are a delicious mix of sweet and savory! They are juicy chops cooked in a warm apple cider sauce that adds a lovely flavor to the dish.
I love serving them with mashed potatoes or a side of veggies. The sweet sauce makes it feel fancy, yet it’s super easy to whip up after a long day! 🍏🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless, that works too! Just adjust cooking time since they cook faster.
Apple Cider: Look for unsweetened apple cider to avoid too much sweetness. If cider isn’t available, apple juice can be a good substitute, but you might want to adjust the vinegar for acidity.
Onions and Garlic: Yellow onions bring sweetness; however, white onions can also work. Fresh garlic is best, but powdered garlic could suffice in a pinch!
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances the sauce beautifully. If you don’t have fresh, dried thyme is fine—just use about a third of the amount since dried is more potent.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops creates a delicious golden crust and locks in the juices. Follow these simple steps:
- Make sure the chops are dry before seasoning. This helps them brown better.
- Heat the skillet well before adding oil; it should shimmer slightly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to ensure good searing.
- Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes before flipping. This helps achieve that nice crust.
Delicious Apple Cider Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’ll need about 30 minutes to create these tasty Apple Cider Pork Chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps them brown nicely. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, carefully add the pork chops. Sear them until they are golden brown and crispy on each side, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once they are done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, which will take about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook it for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
4. Create the Apple Cider Sauce:
Now, pour the apple cider and chicken broth into the skillet, making sure to scrape up any brown bits stuck at the bottom with a wooden spoon. These bits pack a lot of flavor!
5. Add Other Flavorings:
Stir in the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and fresh thyme leaves. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce by about half, which should take around 5–7 minutes. This will concentrate the flavors and create a delicious sauce.
6. Return the Pork Chops:
Next, carefully place the pork chops back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let them cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Finish the Sauce:
After the pork has cooked, remove the chops again from the skillet and set them aside to rest. Then, stir the butter into the apple cider sauce until it’s melted and glossy. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
Finally, spoon the warm apple cider sauce generously over the pork chops. Garnish with chopped parsley and thyme sprigs for a fresh touch. Serve them immediately with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy your savory and sweet Apple Cider Pork Chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe! Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as boneless cuts tend to cook faster than bone-in chops. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they’re cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice. To balance the sweetness, consider adding a little extra apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork chops and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the chops in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of water or chicken broth to the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, making sure to stir occasionally to heat evenly.