Description
A comforting autumn dish featuring thick-cut pork chops seared in a skillet and finished with a glossy, sweet-and-savory cinnamon cider glaze and tender apples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick / 600g)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- Salt and black pepper (generous amounts)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups pure apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Slice apples, mince garlic, mix cornstarch with cold water, and pat pork chops dry. Season chops generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear pork chops: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
- Sauté apples: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then apples and thyme. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Remove to the plate with the chops.
- Make glaze: In a saucepan, combine apple cider, vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy.
- Thicken glaze: Remove cinnamon stick. Whisk cornstarch slurry and slowly drizzle into simmering cider while whisking constantly. Simmer for 30 seconds until glossy and thick.
- Combine and finish: Return chops and apples to the skillet with the glaze. Spoon sauce over chops and heat through for 2-3 minutes, basting frequently. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat pork chops dry before searing to ensure a good crust. Reduce cider until syrupy before adding cornstarch to avoid a watery glaze. Use whole spices for better flavor infusion. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with app
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: pork chops, apple cider glaze, cinnamon, autumn recipes, fall dinner, one-pan meal, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food