Pork Chops with Apples
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
520 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Pork Chops with Apples
Description
This recipe features pork chops seasoned and seared in olive oil and butter alongside sprigs of fresh thyme. After developing a golden brown crust over medium-high heat, the chops are rested to allow the juices to redistribute. The accompanying baked apples, prepared separately but served warm, add a soft and sweet contrast to the savory meat.
The thick, bone-in pork requires a meat thermometer to check doneness, aiming for 135°F to 140°F internal temperature to keep the chops tender and avoid dryness. Resting the meat after cooking prevents overcooking from residual heat. A pan sauce made by deglazing the skillet with chicken stock, cider, or wine adds rich flavor when drizzled over the meat and apples.
This dish works well with additions like caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for variation. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to four days and freeze well for two months. Reheating is best done slowly in the oven covered to retain moisture. The baked apples complement vanilla ice cream if served as a dessert.
Bringing pork chops to room temperature before cooking and managing heat for searing followed by lower temperature cooking help develop a crisp crust while keeping the center juicy.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops thick cut, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 4-6 thyme sprigs, fresh
- ½ recipe baked apples
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the ½ recipe for baked apples and keep warm.
- Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Add the olive oil to a large frying pan over high heat and once it begins to lightly smoke, add in the pork chops and turn the head down to medium-high heat.
- Add in the butter and thyme and cook for 7-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and the desired internal temperature is achieved.
- Rest the pork for 3-4 minutes before serving with the baked apples.
Notes
- Check pork doneness with a meat thermometer in the thickest part; 135°F-140°F is ideal for juicy chops.
- Let pork chops come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Sear over high heat to get a crisp crust, then reduce heat to medium-high to finish cooking gently.
- Make a pan sauce by deglazing with chicken stock, apple cider, or white wine and simmering to thicken for extra flavor.
- Leftover pork chops and apples can be refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months; reheat gently covered in an oven.
- Baked apples can be made in a full batch; leftovers are excellent served with vanilla ice cream.
- Customize by adding caramelized onions, mushrooms, or drizzle with honey or maple syrup for variation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 520 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 520kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 73g | 24% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 78mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 1009mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 58g | 116% |
| Vitamin A | 145IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 14.3mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 81mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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