These juicy pork chops cooked with sweet apples and onions are a delightful dinner choice! The flavors mix together beautifully, giving each bite a tasty twist.
You can’t go wrong with this dish! I love how the apples get all caramelized and sweet. It’s like a little taste of fall, no matter what season it is! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add flavor and juiciness. If you prefer boneless, they work too, just reduce cooking time slightly. For a leaner option, use pork tenderloin.
Apples: Crisp apples like Gala or Honeycrisp are perfect for this dish. Their sweetness pairs well with pork. If those aren’t available, try Granny Smith for a tart twist or Fuji for a sweeter touch.
Onions: Both red and yellow onions add depth. I lean towards yellow onions for their slightly sweeter taste when caramelized, but red adds a lovely color and mild sweetness.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring great flavor. Dried herbs can be used as substitutes; just use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Apple Cider: If you don’t have apple cider, apple juice or even white wine can work in a pinch. For a deeper flavor, consider using chicken broth instead.
How Do I Get My Pork Chops Perfectly Seared?
Searing the pork chops adds a nice golden crust and locks in juices, making them tender and flavorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil and pork chops. A hot pan helps create that perfect sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Leave the chops alone while they sear; avoid moving them around. This helps achieve that beautiful crust.
After searing, don’t forget to let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This locks in the juices even further, making each bite delightful!
How to Make Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 3 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Apple and Onion Mixture:
- 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (use a crisp variety like Gala or Honeycrisp)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (red or yellow onion)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s impressive enough for a special dinner or comforting on a chilly evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the pork.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the seasoned pork chops and sear until they develop a nice golden brown color on both sides, about 4-5 minutes each side. Once done, remove the pork chops from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Onions:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Apples and Garlic:
Next, add the sliced apples and minced garlic to the pan with the onions. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the apples to soften a bit. They should still hold their shape and not turn mushy!
5. Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle the thyme and rosemary over the apples and onions, and give everything a good stir to mix the flavors together.
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the apple cider or juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pan—this adds delicious flavor! Let everything simmer for about 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid.
7. Combine and Cook:
Return the seared pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the apple and onion mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the pork chops to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Finish with Butter:
Once the pork chops are cooked through, stir in the butter, letting it melt into the sauce for extra richness and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the pork chops topped with the sweet apples and caramelized onions. Drizzle some of the delicious pan sauce over the top and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if you like. Enjoy this delightful dish with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes!
This Pork Chops with Apples and Onions recipe is not just flavorful; it’s also a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings! Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Substitute Other Meats for Pork Chops?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken usually takes less time to cook through than pork.
What Kind of Apples Work Best?
Crisp apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great choices since they hold their shape during cooking and balance the pork’s savory flavor nicely. Avoid mushy varieties like Red Delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of apple cider or juice to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple and onion mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it on the stove and add the seared pork chops right before serving to maintain their juiciness.