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Easy One-Pan Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

apple cider glazed pork chops - featured image
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Juicy, tender pork chops with a sticky, tangy-sweet apple cider glaze, all made in one pan in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want an impressive dinner without the cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small apple, thinly sliced (optional, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

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.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on the first side until deep golden-brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C). Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Pour in apple cider, then add Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and fresh thyme. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add sliced apples (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  7. Return pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the glaze. Spoon glaze over the tops. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for medium. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  8. Remove from heat and let the pork rest in the pan for 5 minutes (temperature will rise to 145°F/63°C).
  9. Serve immediately, spooning extra glaze and apples over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

For best results, use pork chops at least 1-inch thick. Patting the chops dry is crucial for a good sear. Let the pork rest after cooking to keep juices inside. If the glaze is too thin, simmer without the pork for 1-2 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of apple cider or water. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter. For lower sugar, use 1 teaspoon brown sugar or a sugar-free alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, apple cider, one-pan, quick dinner, weeknight meal, fall recipe, gluten-free

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-one-pan-apple-cider-glazed-pork-chops-best-30-minute-dinner/