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Quick One-Pan Crispy Pork Chops with Apples – Easy Fall Dinner

one-pan pork chops with apples - featured image

This quick one-pan crispy pork chops with apples recipe is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something memorable. It’s the dish I turn to when I’m short on time but still want to feel like I put in effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep the apples.
  2. Core the apples and slice them into 1/2-inch wedges. Mince the garlic and set aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter stops foaming, carefully place the pork chops in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown.
  4. Remove the pork chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Toss in the apple wedges, minced garlic, and thyme sprigs. Sprinkle with brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and Dijon mustard, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the apples and sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top. Let everything warm through for 1-2 minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving. Garnish with chopped pecans if using.

Notes

Pat the pork chops dry for a good sear. Let the pan get hot before adding the pork. Don’t overcook the apples; they should be tender but still hold their shape. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C). Let the chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, apples, one-pan, fall dinner, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, easy recipe