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Savory Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops with Easy Apple Cider Sauce

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This recipe features juicy bone-in pork chops seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet, topped with a flavorful and slightly sweet apple cider pan sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup unfiltered apple cider
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium, gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons heavy cream for a creamier sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until oil shimmers but does not smoke, about 2 minutes.
  3. Place pork chops in the skillet without overcrowding. Sear for about 4 minutes on the first side until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. For thicker chops, lower heat and cover loosely for 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  4. Transfer pork chops to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. When melted, add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  6. Pour in 3/4 cup apple cider and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Scrape up browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon.
  7. Stir in Dijon mustard and fresh thyme. Let sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon. If desired, stir in 2 tablespoons heavy cream for creaminess.
  8. Return pork chops to the skillet and warm in the sauce for 1-2 minutes. Spoon sauce generously over chops before serving.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain heat and prevent steaming. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F for safe and juicy results. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add broth. Rest pork chops after cooking to lock in juices. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and omit cream. Optional bourbon splash adds smoky depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, cast iron skillet, apple cider sauce, easy dinner, pan sauce, quick recipe, savory pork chops

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/savory-cast-iron-skillet-pork-chops-with-easy-apple-cider-sauce-recipe/