Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops (Print Version)

Juicy pork chops in sweet apple butter sauce with warm cinnamon and tender apples.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 bone-in pork chops (approximately 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

# Steps:

01 - Pat the pork chops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Sear the seasoned pork chops for 3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add sliced onions and apples. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until aromatic.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together apple butter, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon until smooth and fully incorporated.
05 - Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with apples and onions. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
06 - Return the pork chops along with any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops to ensure even coating.
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 fork-tender.
08 - Remove from heat and let the pork chops rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve topped with caramelized apples, onions, and extra sauce from the skillet.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The apple butter creates a naturally sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully
  • One-pan cooking means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with family
  • The combination of tender pork and warm spiced apples feels like comfort food at its finest
02 -
  • Do not skip the searing step. That caramelized crust is where much of the flavor develops.
  • Let the pork rest after cooking. Cutting into it immediately will release all those precious juices.
  • The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits off the heat.
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Pork at 145°F will be perfectly juicy and safe to eat.
  • If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
  • Boneless pork chops work but reduce cooking time by 3 to 4 minutes.

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