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

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These Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops are a one-pan wonder that delivers fork-tender pork in a silky, sweet-and-savory apple cider sauce. Perfect for fall and year-round comfort, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients and a gentle braise to create a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Take the pork chops out of the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil, swirling until the butter melts and foams. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Dijon mustard, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Nestle the seared pork chops back into the pot, along with any accumulated juices. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the chops. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 60-75 minutes until the pork is fork-tender.
  7. Carefully transfer the pork chops to a serving platter and tent with foil. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the pot. If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  8. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use bone-in pork chops about 1-inch thick. Don’t skip the sear—it adds deep flavor. Keep the braise at a gentle simmer, not a boil. The recipe tastes even better the next day. If using boneless chops, reduce braising time by about 15 minutes.

Nutrition

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

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