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Savory Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Easy Apple Cider Dijon Sauce

pan-seared pork chops - featured image
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A quick and comforting recipe featuring pan-seared pork chops with a creamy, tangy apple cider Dijon sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar for extra tang

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but is not smoking.
  3. Add pork chops to the pan without crowding. Sear for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them to develop a golden crust. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes.
  4. If chops are thick, finish cooking in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  5. Remove chops from pan and tent loosely with foil to rest.
  6. Lower heat to medium, add butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in apple cider, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let cider reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream. Simmer gently until sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Add apple cider vinegar if desired.
  9. Spoon sauce over pork chops and garnish with extra thyme. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before seasoning for a good sear. Let chops rest after cooking to keep them juicy. Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling cream. Use a thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F (63°C). If sauce is too thick, loosen with water or broth. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk. Greek yogurt can be used off heat for a tangier sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, pan-seared pork chops, apple cider sauce, Dijon mustard sauce, quick dinner, easy pork recipe, creamy sauce, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/savory-pan-seared-pork-chops-with-easy-apple-cider-dijon-sauce-recipe/