Apple Pork Chops are a delicious combination of tender pork, sweet apples, and a savory maple-herb sauce. This easy skillet dinner is perfect for fall and comes together with simple ingredients for a cozy family meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet apples complement the savory pork perfectly.
- A simple maple-herb sauce adds rich flavor.
- Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- It’s a comforting fall dinner that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Apple Pork Chops
1. Season the Pork
Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried sage.
2. Sear the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Apples and Onion
Add the butter to the same skillet. Add the sliced apples and onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Make the Sauce
Add the chicken broth, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir well, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Finish Cooking
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Cook for another 4–6 minutes, or until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
6. Serve
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes, then serve warm with the cooked apples and sauce spooned over the top.
Tips for the Best Apple Pork Chops
- Use firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady.
- Avoid overcooking the pork so it stays juicy.
- Searing the pork first adds extra flavor.
- Scrape the browned bits from the skillet when making the sauce for a richer flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pork Chops are an easy fall dinner that combines juicy pork with sweet apples and a flavorful maple-herb sauce. This cozy skillet meal is simple enough for a weeknight and delicious enough for a family gathering.
