Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops (Printable View)

Juicy pork chops simmered in sweet apple butter sauce with caramelized onions and warm cinnamon spices

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 bone-in pork chops, 1 inch thick

→ Fruits & Vegetables

02 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
03 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce & Pantry

05 - 1/2 cup apple butter
06 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, pressing the spices into the meat to adhere.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Add pork chops and sear for 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown crust forms. Transfer chops to a plate and reserve.
03 - In the same skillet, add sliced onions and apples. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together apple butter, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
05 - Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with apples and onions. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
06 - Return the pork chops and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chops to coat evenly.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pork chops reach 145°F internal temperature and are tender when tested with a meat thermometer.
08 - Remove from heat and let pork chops rest in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Serve topped with caramelized apples, onions, and extra sauce spooned over each chop.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sauce balances sweet and savory perfectly without any refined sugar
  • Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is practically nonexistent
  • Even people who swear they don't like pork ask for seconds
02 -
  • Dont skip the searing step, it creates flavor compounds that make the sauce taste complex and rich
  • Apple butter brands vary in sweetness, taste your sauce before adding any extra sweetener
  • Letting the meat rest for even 2 minutes makes a huge difference in juiciness
03 -
  • A cast iron skillet holds heat better and creates the most beautiful sear
  • If your sauce reduces too much, add a splash more broth rather than water

Go Back