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Juicy Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops

apple cider braised pork chops - featured image
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A comforting, fall-inspired weeknight dinner featuring thick-cut pork chops braised in a glossy, sweet-and-savory apple cider sauce with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 2 cups unsweetened apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 large apple (e.g., Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Place a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add butter and melt until foaming.
  3. Sear pork chops in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in apple cider, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Add chopped apple, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  7. Return pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  8. Remove chops. Increase heat to medium and simmer sauce for 5-10 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning.
  9. Serve chops with sauce spooned over top, garnished with fresh thyme.

Notes

Ensure the pork chops are patted dry before searing for the best crust. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Let the meat rest before serving to retain juices. For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, apple cider, braised pork, fall recipes, weeknight dinner, comfort food, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/juicy-apple-cider-braised-pork-chops-15-minute-dinner/