Cider Braised Pork Chops Apples (Printable Version)

Pork chops simmered with apples, cider, and herbs for a savory, comforting main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 bone-in pork chops, approximately 1 inch thick (about 7 ounces each)

→ Produce

02 - 2 medium apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, cored and sliced
03 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Liquids

06 - 1 cup apple cider, non-alcoholic or hard
07 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock

→ Fats & Oils

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground sage, optional

→ Thickeners

13 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch, optional for thickening
14 - 1 tablespoon cold water, if using cornstarch

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Pat pork chops dry and season both sides evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground sage if using.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the same pan. Sauté sliced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add apple slices and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.
05 - Pour in apple cider and chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme sprigs or dried thyme.
06 - Nestle seared pork chops among the apples and onions. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Cover and braise for 20 minutes, turning chops once halfway through for even cooking.
07 - For a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the pan and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
08 - Remove thyme sprigs. Serve pork chops topped with braised apples, onions, and a generous spoonful of cider sauce.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses easy-to-find ingredients that celebrate autumn
  • Balanced blend of savory and sweet thanks to apples and cider
  • Only one pan needed so cleanup is minimal
  • Sauce is spoon-licking good over any side
02 -
  • High in protein and satisfying enough for a main event
  • The sauce is naturally gluten free if you choose the right stock and cider
03 -
  • Sear the pork without crowding the pan for a crisp crust
  • Choose apples that hold their shape for the prettiest result
  • Always scrape up the browned bits after searing that is where all the savory flavor is hiding

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