Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops (Printable)

Juicy pork chops simmered in sweet apple butter sauce with cinnamon-spiced apples and onions for a comforting family meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 bone-in pork chops, approximately 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 pork chops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, pressing the spices into the meat to adhere.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Add pork chops and sear for 3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
03 - In the same skillet, add sliced onions and apples. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional 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 the apples and onions. Stir constantly and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
06 - Return the pork chops and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops to begin the braising process.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Cook until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F and are fork-tender.
08 - Remove from heat and let pork chops rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve topped with caramelized apples, onions, and extra sauce from the skillet.

# Tips from dashanddishes:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
  • Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is practically nonexistent
  • The apple butter creates this incredible glossy finish that makes the dish look restaurant worthy
02 -
  • Dont skip the step of patting the pork dry because moisture prevents proper searing
  • Letting the meat rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute so they dont run out onto the plate
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer instead of cutting into the meat to check doneness
  • If the sauce reduces too much simply add a splash more broth

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