Print

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

apple cider braised pork chops - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender, fall-apart pork chops braised in a sweet and savory apple cider sauce. This one-pan wonder is perfect for cozy fall dinners and is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork chops in batches (if needed) for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth. Scrape up all the browned fond from the bottom. Stir in the Dijon mustard and brown sugar until dissolved.
  6. Add the thyme sprigs, rosemary sprig, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low for a steady simmer.
  7. Return the pork chops to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Cover with a lid and braise for 45-50 minutes, without lifting the lid for the first 30 minutes. Pork is done when fork-tender and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  8. Remove the pork chops to a plate and tent with foil. Discard the herb sprigs and bay leaf.
  9. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer the braising liquid uncovered for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half and slightly thickened. If desired, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 minute more.
  10. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until melted and glossy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Return the pork chops to the pot, spoon sauce over them, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear; it adds deep flavor. Keep the lid on during braising to retain moisture. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let pork rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/cozy-apple-cider-braised-pork-chops-easy-one-pan-dinner/