This dish features juicy pork chops cooked with sweet apples and savory onions. It’s a warm, comforting meal that brings together great flavors from the pan!
Honestly, who wouldn’t love the combination of apples and pork? I always end up sneaking a bite of the apples right out of the pan—so good! 🍏❤️
I love how easy it is to put this meal together, perfect for busy evenings. Just a quick sear and some time in the oven, and dinner is served with a smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy during cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops work too. Just watch their cooking time, as they can dry out faster.
Onions: Both red and yellow onions bring great flavor. I find red onions lend a subtle sweetness, while yellow onions provide a classic taste. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or even green onions could work in a pinch.
Apples: For sweetness, Fuji or Gala apples are perfect. If you prefer a tart contrast, consider Granny Smith apples. You can also mix different types for extra flavor depth.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary make the dish fragrant. You can use dried herbs if that’s what you have, but remember to use about one-third of the amount since they’re more concentrated.
How Can You Ensure Juicy Pork Chops?
The key to juicy pork chops is two-fold: proper seasoning and careful cooking. Start by patting the chops dry and seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and crust. Sear them in hot oil to create a nice brown crust, which locks in juices.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Finish cooking on low heat, covered, to keep moisture in.
Finally, letting them rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain juices, making every bite juicy and delicious!
Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 3 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Apples and Onions:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (red or yellow)
- 2 medium apples (such as Fuji or Gala), cored and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing the sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes total: about 10 minutes for prepping and cooking the ingredients and then around 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll have juicy pork chops paired with sweet apples and savory onions ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps improve flavor and creates a nice crust while cooking.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Carefully add the pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Once done, remove the chops from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Onions:
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the sliced onions to the pan. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize, giving them great flavor.
4. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Now, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the onions. Stir everything together and cook for about 30 seconds until you smell those lovely aromas!
5. Add the Apples:
Next, toss in the sliced apples and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want them to start softening, but still hold their shape.
6. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits are full of flavor!
7. Return the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops back into the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions. Spoon some of the delicious liquid over the chops to keep them moist.
8. Cover and Simmer:
Cover the pan with a lid or foil, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes. You want the pork chops to cook through until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9. Finish and Serve:
Remove the pork chops to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the butter for a glossy finish, if desired.
10. Plate It Up:
Return the pork chops back to the pan for a minute to coat them with the sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs and serve with the apples and onions spooned over the top. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used. Just keep in mind that they cook faster, so check for doneness around the 5-7 minute mark to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can substitute dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh. For this recipe, that would be about 1/3 teaspoon of dried thyme and rosemary each.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pork chops with apples and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like carrots or celery along with the onions for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them similarly in size for even cooking.
