Description
A one-pan weeknight dinner featuring juicy, braised pork chops in a rich, sweet, and savory apple cider sauce with warm spices. Perfect for autumn evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 to 6 bone-in, center-cut pork chops (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups pure apple cider
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 1 large firm apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced (optional)
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up brown bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low-medium low heat for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- If using diced apples, add them during the last 10 minutes of braising.
- Remove chops to a clean plate and tent with foil. Increase heat to medium.
- Whisk cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in cold butter for a glossy finish. Serve chops with sauce poured over.
- Let meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Bone-in chops stay juicier; if using boneless, reduce braising time by 5-10 minutes. Do not skip the sear for flavor depth. Ensure a gentle simmer to keep pork tender. This dish does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sau
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
Keywords: pork chops, apple cider, braised pork, fall recipes, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, cozy dinner, autumn cooking