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Easy Juicy 30-Minute Pork Chops Recipe with Homemade Apple Pan Sauce

30-minute pork chops recipe - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, tender pork chops paired with a sweet and tangy homemade apple pan sauce, perfect for cozy dinners in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Fuji)
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Place pork chops in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side without moving.
  4. Flip the chops and cook for another 4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  5. Remove pork chops from pan and tent with foil to rest.
  6. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the pan and melt. Add shallot and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent.
  7. Add diced apples and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until apples soften and start to caramelize.
  8. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Stir in Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar.
  9. Simmer sauce gently for 5 minutes, reducing slightly. Add honey or maple syrup and fresh thyme if using.
  10. Return pork chops to the pan, spoon sauce over them, and warm for 1-2 minutes.
  11. Serve pork chops hot with apple pan sauce spooned on top.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry for a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Let chops rest after cooking to lock in juices. Deglaze pan to capture flavorful browned bits. Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding broth. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, apple pan sauce, quick dinner, easy pork recipe, juicy pork chops, weeknight meal, comfort food