Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops (Printable version)

Succulent pork chops in a rich apple butter sauce with caramelized onions and warm spices

# 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

# How to make it:

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

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • The sauce creates this incredible sticky glaze that makes everything taste like you spent hours simmering it
  • Its one of those rare weeknight meals that looks impressive on the plate but comes together in under an hour
02 -
  • Don't skip the step of patting the pork dry, moisture is the enemy of a good sear and you want that caramelized exterior
  • Let the pan get properly hot before adding the chops, if they're sizzling softly instead of loudly, the heat isn't high enough
03 -
  • If your apple butter is particularly thick, warm it slightly before whisking with the other ingredients
  • A cast iron skillet holds heat beautifully and creates the best sear, but any heavy-bottomed pan works

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