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Crispy Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Apples

crispy honey mustard pork chops with apples - featured image

These crispy honey mustard pork chops with apples are a quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, with a perfectly seared crust and caramelized apples, makes this a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ยผ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 medium apples, cored and sliced into ยผ-inch wedges (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
  • Extra cracked black pepper (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the pork chops. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Set aside.
  4. Core the apples and slice into ยผ-inch wedges. If using brown sugar and cinnamon, toss the apple slices in the mixture.
  5. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  6. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until deep golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side. Internal temperature should reach 145ยฐF (63ยฐC).
  7. Transfer the cooked pork chops to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the apple slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and slightly softened. If using brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over the apples during the last minute.
  9. Return the rested pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the apples. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the top. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes, spooning sauce over the pork chops as it thickens.
  10. Serve immediately, transferring pork chops and apples to a serving platter. Spoon remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

For the best crust, pat the pork chops dry before seasoning. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture. The honey mustard sauce can be adjusted to tasteโ€”add more honey for sweetness or more mustard for tang. For a dairy-free version, skip the butter and use olive oil for the apples.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, honey mustard, apples, quick dinner, weeknight meal, skillet dinner