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

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Tender, juicy pork chops braised in a savory-sweet apple cider sauce with Dijon mustard and fresh thyme. This one-pan wonder is perfect for cozy fall nights and delivers deep, comforting flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered is best)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to brown. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine, scraping up any remaining browned bits. Add the brown sugar (if using), fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return the pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the liquid. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the chops. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.
  7. Braise gently for 25-30 minutes, until the pork is tender and easily pierced with a fork. An instant-read thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
  8. Remove the pork chops to a clean plate and cover loosely with foil. Increase heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in the butter if using until melted and glossy.
  9. Remove the thyme stems and bay leaf. Spoon the sauce and onions over the pork chops. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during the last few minutes of cooking. Do not rush the sear; let the chops develop a deep golden crust. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes after braising to keep it moist.

Nutrition

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

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