Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops (Printable)

Juicy pork chops in a rich apple butter sauce with caramelized onions and apples

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 bone-in pork chops, 1 inch thick

→ Fruits & Vegetables

02 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
03 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce & Pantry

05 - 1/2 cup apple butter
06 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

# Directions:

01 - Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, pressing the spices into the meat.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Sear pork chops for 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
03 - Add sliced onions and apples to the same skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together apple butter, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
05 - Pour sauce mixture into the skillet with apples and onions. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Return pork chops and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chops. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
07 - Remove from heat and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve pork chops topped with sautéed apples, onions, and extra sauce from the pan.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The apple butter sauce turns ordinary pork into something that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant
  • Everything cooks in one pan, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
02 -
  • Using bone-in pork chops makes a significant difference in moisture and flavor during the simmer
  • Letting the pork rest after searing prevents all those juices from running out onto your plate
03 -
  • Cast iron or stainless steel skillets give the best sear and fond for building flavor
  • If your sauce seems too thick, add another splash of broth to reach your preferred consistency

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