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Tender Juicy Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Easy Apple Cider Sauce

pan-seared pork chops with apple cider sauce - featured image
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This recipe delivers tender, juicy pork chops with a velvety, buttery crust and a glossy, slightly thickened apple cider sauce that balances savory richness with bright fruitiness. Perfect for quick, comforting dinners with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (or avocado oil for high smoke point)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider, fresh or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
  • 1 shallot or 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
  • 1 small apple, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish or cooked in sauce)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add pork chops to the pan without crowding. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.
  4. Flip the chops and add 2 tablespoons butter, garlic, and thyme sprigs. Tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over the chops repeatedly for about 4 more minutes.
  5. Check that pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove chops to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
  6. Lower heat to medium. Add shallots to the pan and cook 1-2 minutes until softened.
  7. Pour in 1 cup apple cider and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Scrape browned bits from the pan bottom with a wooden spoon.
  8. Simmer and reduce the cider by about half, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  9. Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve pork chops with sauce spooned over. Garnish with fresh thyme and optional sautéed apple slices.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to ensure a good crust. Do not crowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use a thermometer to cook to 145°F (63°C) and rest chops for 5 minutes to retain juices. Make the sauce in the same pan to incorporate browned bits for flavor. Adjust sauce thickness with water or extra cider if needed. Optional apple slices add fresh texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, pan-seared pork chops, apple cider sauce, easy dinner, quick pork recipe, juicy pork chops, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/tender-juicy-pan-seared-pork-chops-with-easy-apple-cider-sauce-recipe/