Apple Pork Chops are a wonderful combination of tender, juicy pork paired with the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of apples. The apples soften up beautifully as they cook, creating a lovely sauce that brings out the best in the pork chops. It’s a simple dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate.
I love making this recipe when I want something quick but still special. The way the apples and pork chop juices come together makes every bite flavorful and a little bit sweet, which is a fun twist from your usual pork dishes. I often add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of apple cider to make the flavors pop even more.
Serving these apple pork chops with a side of roasted veggies or mashed potatoes makes for a perfectly balanced meal that the whole family enjoys. I often find myself going back for seconds because the apples keep the dish light and fresh, making it easy to eat without feeling heavy. It’s one of those meals that feels like fall all year round.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I prefer bone-in chops for more flavor and juiciness. If you want leaner meat, boneless chops work too but watch the cooking time—they cook a bit quicker.
Apples: Gala and Fuji are sweet and hold their shape well. If you prefer tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are great too. Keep the skin on for texture and color.
Apple Cider or Juice: Apple cider adds depth, but if you don’t have it, apple juice or even white grape juice can work. Broth adds savoriness that balances the sweetness.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme brightens the dish. If you don’t have it, dried thyme is fine—use about half the amount. It pairs wonderfully with both pork and apples.
Cinnamon: This is optional but adds a warm, cozy note. You can skip it or use a pinch of nutmeg if you like a slightly different spice.
How Can You Get a Perfectly Seared and Juicy Pork Chop?
Getting a nice crust on pork chops while keeping the inside juicy is key. Here are some tips to help:
- Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to help browning.
- Heat the pan over medium-high and add oil—wait until the oil shimmers.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chops in batches if needed.
- Let chops sear without moving them for several minutes per side. This builds a flavorful crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Aim for 145°F (63°C) for tender, juicy pork.
- After searing, finish cooking in the sauce or oven if chops are thick to avoid burning the outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I recommend a heavy-bottomed skillet to get a good sear on the pork chops without burning.
- Kitchen tongs – they make flipping the chops easy and safe.
- Meat thermometer – helps ensure the pork is perfectly cooked to 145°F, keeping it juicy.
- Mixing bowl – handy for making the slurry if you want to thicken the sauce.
- Cutting board and knife – for slicing apples and prepping aromatics.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Try substituting the pork with chicken breasts or thighs for a different twist.
- Cheese: Add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or dollops of goat cheese on top before serving for extra richness.
- Veggies: Include sliced carrots or pears along with apples for more variety.
- Spices: Swap cinnamon for a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to change up the flavor profile.
Apple Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pork Chops and Sauce:
- 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 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji), sliced into rounds or wedges with skin on
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. If you’d like to thicken the sauce, add a couple more minutes. So, in total, plan for about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish — perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Aromatics and Apples:
Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent (about 4 minutes). Then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant. Next, add the sliced apples and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still keep their shape.
3. Make the Sauce and Finish Cooking:
Pour in the apple cider (or apple juice) and chicken broth, stirring well. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift up any flavorful bits stuck there. Stir in Dijon mustard, fresh thyme leaves, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the apples. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Optional: Thicken the Sauce:
If you like a thicker sauce, take the pork chops and apples off the pan to a plate. Mix the flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Then return the pork chops and apples to the pan to warm through briefly.
5. Serve:
Plate the pork chops and spoon the apple sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pretty, fresh touch. Enjoy your warm, savory, and sweet Apple Pork Chops!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Cooking pork chops straight from frozen can result in uneven cooking and less juicy meat.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pork Chops?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep the pork tender and avoid drying out the apples.
Can I Substitute the Apples or Add Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work well, or try pears for a milder sweetness. Just slice them similarly and cook until soft but not mushy.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce Without Flour or Cornstarch?
If you prefer not to use flour or cornstarch, simply simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, a small amount of instant mashed potato flakes can help thicken it up too.
