Juicy Apple Butter Pork Chops Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
