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Crispy Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Easy Apple Cider Thyme Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe featuring perfectly seared pork chops with a tangy, herbal apple cider thyme sauce that is both comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick, preferably center-cut)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops with paper towels to remove moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Place 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour on a plate. Lightly coat each chop with flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 3 minutes).
  4. Add chops to the pan, cooking for 4–5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Flip only once or twice for best crust. Lower heat if chops brown too fast.
  5. Transfer chops to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for about 5 minutes.
  6. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted, add 1 small finely chopped shallot and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  7. Stir in 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, then pour in 1 cup (240ml) apple cider, 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Scrape the pan bottom to loosen browned bits.
  8. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until it reduces by about half and thickens slightly. Stir occasionally. Adjust sweetness with 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup if desired.
  9. Return pork chops to the pan briefly to warm through and coat lightly with sauce. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top.

Notes

Dry pork chops thoroughly before seasoning to ensure a crispy crust. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning. Use tongs gently to avoid piercing the meat and losing juices. Let the meat rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Adjust sauce sweetness to taste. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or coconut flour. For dairy-free, omit butter or use plant-based spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, pan-seared pork chops, apple cider sauce, thyme sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, crispy pork chops

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/crispy-pan-seared-pork-chops-with-easy-apple-cider-thyme-sauce-recipe/