Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops (Printable)

Tender pork chops in a rich apple butter sauce with warm spices and caramelized onions.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 4 bone-in pork chops (about 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, then season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Sear the seasoned pork chops for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add sliced onions and apples. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and edges begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together apple butter, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon until smooth and fully combined.
05 - Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the apples and onions. Stir well to incorporate and bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Return the pork chops and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops to coat evenly.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F and are tender throughout.
08 - Remove from heat and let the pork chops rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve topped with caramelized apples, onions, and extra sauce from the skillet.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sauce achieves that perfect balance where savory meat meets sweet fruit in just the right proportions
  • Everything happens in one pan so you get maximum flavor with minimum cleanup
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
02 -
  • Dont rush the searing step—that caramelized exterior is where half the flavor lives
  • Using a meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of knowing when they're done
  • The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests, so don't worry if it looks a bit thin in the pan
03 -
  • Pat the pork chops completely dry before searing—moisture is the enemy of good browning
  • Let the skillet get properly hot before adding the meat; you should hear a satisfying sizzle immediately
  • If using boneless chops, check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid drying them out

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