These Apple Cider Pork Chops are a tasty treat! Juicy pork chops cooked in a sweet apple cider sauce bring a wonderful mix of flavors to your plate.
If you’re like me, you’ll love how easy it is to whip this up for dinner. Just sear the chops, add the cider, and let it simmer—bam! You’ve got a cozy meal ready to enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are my favorite for this recipe since they have more flavor and remain juicy. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops work too! Just keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook a bit faster.
Apple Cider: Using fresh, unfiltered apple cider enhances the flavor. If it’s out of season, apple juice is a good substitute, but it may be sweeter. Adjust the brown sugar if needed!
Thyme: I love using fresh thyme whenever I can, as it adds a lovely aroma. Dried thyme is totally fine if that’s all you have. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use a little less.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. You can swap it with yellow mustard if that’s what you have, but Dijon gives a sharper taste that balances well with the sweetness of the cider.
How Do I Get Juicy Pork Chops Every Time?
To achieve juicy pork chops, start by making sure they are at room temperature before cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Searing them in hot oil for a few minutes on each side creates a nice crust, locking in the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—pull them off the heat at 145°F.
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute.
These simple tricks will help you serve tender and tasty pork chops every time!
How to Make Apple Cider Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for cooking, making a total of around 30-35 minutes to go from kitchen to table. It’s quick enough for a weekday meal but special enough for company, too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Don’t be shy—make sure they’re nicely coated!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them until they’re golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, take them out of the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—enough time to get that lovely garlic aroma going! Then, pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Stir in the Flavor:
Add in the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and thyme. Give it a good stir and let this mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes. This step will help thicken the sauce and blend all the delicious flavors together.
5. Cook the Pork Chops:
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Finish the Sauce:
Once the chops are cooked through, take them out again and stir the unsalted butter into the sauce until it melts and the sauce looks glossy and rich.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the wonderful sauce over the pork chops and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve hot, making sure to spoon extra sauce over each chop. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Apple Cider Pork Chops!
This recipe yields tender pork chops infused with a delightful balance of apple sweetness and tangy cider acidity, perfectly complemented by herbaceous notes.
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful that they’ll cook a bit faster than bone-in chops, so check their temperature a few minutes earlier.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
No worries! You can substitute apple juice for apple cider, but it may be sweeter. If using apple juice, you might want to reduce the brown sugar a bit to balance the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of additional cider or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
You can freeze the cooked pork chops in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm gently on the stovetop to retain their juiciness.
