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Easy Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

pan-seared pork chops with apple cider glaze - featured image
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Juicy, tender pork chops with a crispy crust and a sweet-tangy apple cider glaze, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pork chops, about 1-inch thick, bone-in or boneless
  • 1 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. Heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Sear the pork chops in the hot skillet, without crowding, for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Flip and add 1 tablespoon butter and thyme sprigs; baste the butter over the chops.
  4. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting occasionally. Check internal temperature; remove at 140°F (the pork will continue cooking to 145°F while resting). Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil; rest for at least 5 minutes.
  5. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet. Place back over medium heat and add apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Whisk, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half and thickened.
  6. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, one at a time. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Place rested pork chops back in the skillet or on a platter and spoon glaze over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use bone-in pork chops at least 1-inch thick. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Let the pork rest after cooking to retain juices. The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, apple cider glaze, pan-seared, quick dinner, fall recipe, easy weeknight meal

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