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Cozy Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops: Easy One-Pan Dinner

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These Cozy Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops are the perfect one-pan comfort dinner, featuring fork-tender pork chops in a rich, savory-sweet apple cider sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients and is ideal for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1½ cups unsweetened apple cider
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cold butter (to finish sauce)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Take the chill off the pork chops: About 20 minutes before cooking, remove pork chops from fridge and let sit on counter. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season generously: Sprinkle both sides of each pork chop with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons butter. Let melt and foam until hot but not smoking.
  4. Sear the pork chops: Place pork chops in hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook 3-4 minutes on first side until deep golden-brown. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes on second side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  5. Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced shallot and cook 2 minutes until softened. Add smashed garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Deglaze the pan: Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon.
  7. Add flavor builders: Stir in maple syrup, Dijon mustard, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  8. Return pork chops to pan: Nestle pork chops into simmering liquid along with any accumulated juices. Liquid should come about halfway up the sides.
  9. Braise gently: Cover skillet with lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15-20 minutes until pork chops are tender and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
  10. Remove pork and finish sauce: Transfer pork chops to a plate and tent with foil. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer sauce 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Swirl in 1 tablespoon cold butter until melted.
  11. Serve: Spoon sauce over pork chops, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear for best flavor. Keep braising liquid at a gentle simmer, not a boil. For thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water and stir in during last minute. Pork chops are even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider pork chops, braised pork chops, one-pan dinner, easy pork chop recipe, fall dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/cozy-apple-cider-braised-pork-chops-easy-one-pan-dinner/