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Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops: Best One-Pan Dinner

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Tender, juicy pork chops braised in a sweet and savory apple cider sauce with caramelized onions. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or extra thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to brown.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Whisk in Dijon mustard until fully incorporated. Add fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Return the pork chops to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the chops.
  9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Check halfway and turn chops gently.
  10. Transfer pork chops to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  11. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer the sauce uncovered for 5-7 minutes until reduced and slightly thickened. Stir in butter until melted and glossy. Season with salt and pepper. Remove thyme sprigs.
  12. Spoon sauce and onions over pork chops. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra thyme if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use pork chops at least 1 inch thick. Bone-in chops add extra flavor and moisture. If using boneless chops, reduce braising time to 20-25 minutes. The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Leftovers keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider braised pork chops, one-pan dinner, easy pork chop recipe, fall dinner, braised pork chops, apple cider pork

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