There’s something quietly special about bringing together savory pork and sweet apples. It’s a classic pairing that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
The magic, truly, is in the balance. The apples soften and mellow, their sweetness playing perfectly against the rosemary’s earthy notes.
Why This Combo Works So Well
Sweet and savory flavors don’t just coexist here, they elevate each other. It’s a culinary friendship that makes both ingredients shine brighter.
The cozy spices—cinnamon, nutmeg—wrap everything in a familiar, comforting blanket. It’s rustic elegance without any fuss at all.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering these simple components is the first step toward a fantastic meal. Each one plays its part in building those layers of flavor.
- Bone-in Pork Chops (2 lbs): The bone is your secret for incredible juiciness and depth of flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: The essential foundation for seasoning the meat perfectly.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For searing the chops and starting the apple-onion sauté.
- Medium Apples (2): They’ll soften into a sweet-tart companion for the pork. Gala or Honeycrisp are ideal.
- Small Yellow Onion (1/2): Sliced thin, it adds a savory-sweet backbone to the whole dish.
- Dried Rosemary (1 tsp), Cinnamon (1/4 tsp), Nutmeg (a pinch): This cozy spice trio ties the pork and fruit together beautifully.
- Flour (1 1/2 tsp): Just a bit to thicken the simple, flavorful pan sauce.
- Chicken Stock (1 cup): It creates the delicious gravy that brings the entire skillet together.
The Right Apples & Tools
Choosing an apple that holds its shape is key. You want sweet, tender pieces, not applesauce, mingling with your onions.
A good skillet and an instant-read thermometer are your best friends here. Trust me, that thermometer is a game-changer for perfect pork.
How to make Pork Chops with Apples?
This is a straightforward, one-pan journey. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dinner with minimal cleanup.
Step 1 – Season and Sear the Pork
Pat your pork chops dry, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial for great taste.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chops and sear for about 4 minutes per side, until you get a lovely golden crust. Remove them to a plate.
Step 2 – Sauté the Onion and Apples
In that same flavorful pan, add your sliced onions and apples. Sprinkle the rosemary, cinnamon, and nutmeg right over the top.
Let them cook, stirring now and then, for 5 to 7 minutes. You’re waiting for the onions to soften and the apples to become just tender.
Step 3 – Create the Pan Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the apple-onion mixture and whisk it in for about 30 seconds. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. You’ll see a simple, fragrant sauce start to form instantly.
Step 4 – Finish Cooking Together
Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, along with any juices that collected on the plate. Those juices are pure flavor.
Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes. Cook just until the pork reaches 145°F at the thickest part. Taste the sauce, add more salt or pepper if you like, and you’re done.
Tips
- Slice your apples thinly and uniformly. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, becoming perfectly tender without turning mushy.
- For a gluten-free version, mix 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and cold water into a smooth slurry. Add it when you would add the flour, then proceed with the stock.
- Don’t skip the thermometer. Pulling the pork at 145°F guarantees it will be safe, juicy, and tender, not dry and tough.
- Consider a fun twist: stir in a tablespoon or two of apple butter with the chicken stock. It amplifies the apple flavor in the most delightful way.
Serving & Storing Your Dinner
This dish begs for simple, comforting sides. Think buttery mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crisp salad to round out the plate.
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Gently reheat in a skillet or the microwave, and the flavors will still be wonderful.
Pork Chops with Apples Recipe
Description
My Pork Chops with Apples is an easy dinner that is sure to impress. Simple ingredients come together with earthy flavors to bring you this savory pork recipe with a hint of sweetness. The full flavor of pork with the sweet-tart taste of apples seasoned with cozy notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and rosemary creates a comforting and delicious dish packed with flavor.
ingredients
Instructions
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Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add sliced onions and apples. Season with rosemary, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
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Whisk in flour until combined, then slowly pour in chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Return pork chops (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21gg33%
- Saturated Fat 6gg30%
- Trans Fat 0gg
- Cholesterol 115mgmg39%
- Sodium 480mgmg20%
- Potassium 620mgmg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 22gg8%
- Dietary Fiber 3gg12%
- Sugars 14gg
- Protein 36gg72%
- Calcium 3 mg
- Iron 15 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Best apples: Use Honeycrisp or Gala—they hold shape and balance sweetness well.
- Gluten-free option: Replace flour with 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry).
- Add depth: Stir in 2 tbsp apple butter into the sauce for richer apple flavor.
- Don’t overcook: Pull pork chops off heat as soon as they hit 145°F for juicy results.
