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Sweet Savory Apple Pork Chop Skillet

Warm up your autumn evenings with a comforting Sweet Savory Apple Pork Chop Skillet. This delicious recipe marries juicy pork chops with tender, caramelized apples, savory onions, and fragrant herbs, creating a delightful medley of flavors that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it's an easy way to impress while evoking the cozy spirit of the season. Discover how to create this heartwarming dish and elevate your mealtime experience!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced into wedges

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

¼ cup apple cider (or apple juice)

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

Fresh parsley, chopped (for a garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pork Chops: Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow them to rest for about 15 minutes at room temperature, enabling the seasoning to penetrate the meat.

    Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling slightly, add the seasoned pork chops. Sear the chops for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate, keeping them warm.

      Sauté the Apples and Onions: In the same skillet, introduce the sliced apples and onions. Sauté them for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften and the onions become translucent and tender.

        Add Garlic and Thyme: Mix in the minced garlic and dried thyme, continuing to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.

          Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the apple cider, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This will enhance the flavor of your dish. Then, stir in the Dijon mustard and maple syrup until well combined.

            Add Broth and Pork Chops: Nestle the seared pork chops back into the skillet among the apples and onions. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

              Cook Until Tender: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the pork chops are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F, while the apples should be tender and caramelized.

                Serve: Once finished, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before plating. This delightful skillet dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4