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Savory Skillet Pork Chops with Apple Cider Pan Sauce

savory skillet pork chops - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy bone-in pork chops seared to perfection and topped with a warm, slightly sweet apple cider pan sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme sprigs or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but isn’t smoking.
  3. Carefully lay the pork chops into the hot pan without overcrowding. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side without moving them to develop a deep golden crust.
  4. Remove the pork chops and set aside on a plate tented loosely with foil to keep warm. Leave the browned bits in the pan.
  5. Lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Pour in 1 cup apple cider, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen browned bits. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, fresh thyme sprigs, and honey if using.
  7. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and soak in the flavors.
  9. Transfer pork chops to plates, spoon more pan sauce over the top, garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the pork chops dry before seasoning helps achieve a golden crust. Don’t rush searing; wait until the pork naturally releases from the pan. Keep heat moderate when cooking the garlic to avoid bitterness. The pan sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or water. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, apple cider sauce, skillet pork chops, easy dinner, weeknight meal, savory pork, pan sauce, comfort food

Find it online: https://milacook.com/savory-skillet-pork-chops-with-apple-cider-pan-sauce-easy-recipe-for-dinner/