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Perfect One-Pan Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops

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Tender, fork-tender pork chops braised in apple cider with caramelized onions, all made in one pan. A cozy, company-worthy meal that comes together in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider (unfiltered is best)
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon cold butter, cut into small pieces
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Move a rack to the middle position.
  2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with the salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while you prep the onions.
  3. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Sear the pork chops in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden, and starting to caramelize.
  6. Deglaze the pan with the apple cider vinegar, scraping up brown bits. Let bubble for about 30 seconds.
  7. Add the apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the liquid. Spoon some onions over the tops.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Braise, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes until pork reaches 145°F and is tender.
  10. Remove from oven. Discard cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and thyme stems. Transfer pork to a serving platter and tent with foil.
  11. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until reduced. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and whisk in cold butter pieces until melted and glossy.
  12. Spoon the onions and sauce over the pork chops. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use thick bone-in pork chops. Don’t skip the sear or the caramelizing step. The dish can be made ahead and actually tastes better the next day. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and omit the finishing butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider pork chops, braised pork chops, one-pan dinner, caramelized onions, fall recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten-free

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