Juicy Apple Butter Pork Chops Recipe

Introduction

Juicy Apple Butter Pork Chops bring together tender pork, sweet apples, and a flavorful apple butter sauce for a comforting, delicious meal. This dish combines the warmth of fresh herbs with the sweetness of honeycrisp apples, perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 large onion, sliced very thin
• 1 medium honeycrisp apple, thin slices
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
• 3 fresh sage leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Liberally season the pork chops on both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove the pork chops from the pan, transfer to a plate, and tent with foil to keep warm and juicy.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet over medium heat, add the thinly sliced onions and apples. If using, add the fresh rosemary sprig and sage leaves. Sauté, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and the apples have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the apple butter, whole grain mustard, and water to the skillet with the apples and onions. Mix well to coat everything in the sauce. Return the pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cook together for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pork is heated through. For a richer flavor, let the sauce reduce an extra minute or two before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use honeycrisp apples for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness; substitute with Fuji or Gala if unavailable.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the apple butter mixture.
• Resting the pork chops under foil after browning helps them retain juices and stay tender.
• Omit the fresh herbs if you don’t have them on hand, or substitute with dried rosemary and sage, using about one-third the amount.

Storage

Store leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in pork chops instead?

Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used. They may require slightly longer cooking times to reach the proper internal temperature, so adjust accordingly.

Is apple butter necessary for this recipe?

Apple butter adds a rich, deep apple flavor and sweetness to the sauce. If unavailable, you can substitute with apple sauce mixed with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon, though the flavor will be milder.

Juicy Apple Butter Pork Chops Recipe

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4.5 from 140 reviews

Juicy Apple Butter Pork Chops combine tender, seared pork chops with a savory-sweet apple butter sauce enhanced by fresh herbs and sautéed apples and onions. This skillet-cooked dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and a comforting, home-cooked meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the pork and produce:

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 large onion, sliced very thin
• 1 medium honeycrisp apple, thin slices
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the sauce and aromatics:

• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
• 3 fresh sage leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Season and Brown the Pork Chops: Liberally season the pork chops on both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, then add the pork chops. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove the pork chops from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm and let them rest a few minutes to maintain juiciness.
2. Sauté the Apples, Onions, and Herbs: In the same skillet over medium heat, add the thinly sliced onions and apple. If using, add the fresh rosemary sprig and sage leaves. Sauté, stirring often to prevent burning, until the onions are translucent and the apples have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the Apple Butter Sauce and Finish the Dish: Add the apple butter, whole grain mustard, and water to the skillet with the sautéed apples and onions. Stir well to combine and coat everything in the sauce. Return the browned pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the pork is heated through. For a richer flavor, let the sauce reduce an extra minute or two before serving.

Notes

• Letting the pork chops rest after searing helps retain their juiciness.
• Use honeycrisp apples for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Fresh rosemary and sage are optional but add wonderful aromatic flavors to the dish.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more water to adjust consistency.
• Ensure pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe and juicy results.

Keywords: pork chops, apple butter pork chops, skillet pork chops, apple butter sauce, honeycrisp apples, autumn pork recipe, easy pork dinner, sautéed apples and onions