Are y’all ready for this? …No, no, I don’t think you are. Okay, if you insist. But if your head explodes upon contemplating the deliciousness of these Apple Spice Pork Chops, don’t say I didn’t try to warn you.
I don’t even know if I can describe how awesome these pork chops are. The brown sugar and butter create an amazing caramel-like sauce that drenches the pork chops in a deep, rich, sweetness. Add a little spice from the cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper and you’ve got a carnival in your mouth. Pork heaven.
See this recipe used in my weekly meal prep.
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Since these Apple Spice Pork Chops simmer in the delicious sauce there is not even a fraction of a possibility that chops will turn into dry hockey pucks. No, they’re juicy, rich, sweet and savory all at one time. *mouth watering as I type*
What Type of Pork Chops Should I Use?
A couple of notes: I used boneless, center-cut, thick chops but you can use bone-in as well. Just do not use thin-cut pork chops because they will likely cook too quickly and become overcooked, dry, and tough. Shoot for something 3/4-1 inch thick.
What Type of Apples are Best for This Recipe?
I used fuji apples for this recipe because I wanted something that was halfway between sweet and tart. I would suggest using any variety that is sweet but not sickeningly so. You need a little “acid” in there.
What to Serve with Apple Spice Pork Chops
I love making this a classic meal with mashed potatoes and green beans, but you could also pair it with something like Apple Walnut Stuffing, Wild Rice Pilaf, or some Maple Roasted Acorn Squash to really maximize those fall vibes! Or how about a Wild Rice and Vegetable Casserole? YUM.
Apple Spice Pork Chops
Servings 4Ingredients
- 4 pork chops ($6.44)
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ($0.08)
- Pinch salt and pepper ($0.05)
- 1 med onion ($0.38)
- 2 fuji apples ($1.99)
- 2 Tbsp butter ($0.26)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.03)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon ($0.02)
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg ($0.02)
- 1 cup chicken broth ($0.13)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. While the skillet is heating, open the pork chops and season each side with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the chops in the pan. Cook the chops undisturbed for 5-7 minutes or until the bottoms form a nice brown crust. If your chops are sticking to the pan, that means they have not formed a crust yet. They will “let go” once the crust forms. Flip the chops and cook the second side in the same manner. It should take 5-7 minutes for each side.
- While the chops are searing, thinly slice the onion and slice the apples into wedges. Once the chops have browned on both sides, remove them to a clean plate (they do not need to be cooked through at this point). Add the apples, onions, and butter to the skillet and sauté until the onions are softened. Allow the moisture from the apples and onions to dissolve the browned bits from the skillet as they cook.
- Add the broth, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to the skillet with the apples and onions. Stir until everything is combined, then return the chops to the pan, along with any juices that may have collected on the plate. Nestle the chops down in the mixture, making sure some onions and apples are on top of the chops.
- Simmer the chops in the apple and onion mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half, the apples are soft, and the pork chops are cooked through. Stir occasionally, moving the apples and onions around so they all have a chance to simmer and soften. Serve each chop with apples, onions and sauce spooned over top.
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Nutrition
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How to Make Apple Spice Pork Chops – Step By Step Photos
Season both sides of four pork chops with a pinch of salt and pepper. I used boneless, but you can use bone-in, if you prefer.
Heat a large skillet over medium, then once hot add 2 Tbsp vegetable oil. Swirl the skillet to coat the surface in oil, then add the pork chops. Let them cook until browned on one side (about 5-7 minutes), then flip and cook until browned on the second side. It’s important not to move them around while they are browning. They may stick to the skillet a little at first, but they will release when they develop that nice brown crust. Once browned on both sides, remove the chops to a clean plate. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this point.
While the pork chops are cooking, thinly slice one yellow onion and slice two apples into thin wedges. After removing the pork chops from the skillet, add the apples, onions, and 2 Tbsp butter.
Sauté the apples and onions until the onions are softened and the juices from the apples and onions have dissolved all the browned bits of pork from the bottom of the skillet.
Once the onions have softened, add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Stir everything together until combined.
Return the pork chops back to the skillet, along with any juices that collected on the plate, and nestle them down into all of that goodness. Allow the broth to come up to a strong simmer, then let the chops simmer in the liquid for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is slightly thickened and the apples are soft.
The pork chops should be cooked through, the apples tender, and the pan sauce should be absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS.
Make sure you serve your Apple Spice Pork Chops with plenty of the apples and onions from the skillet, plus a couple spoonfuls of that amazing sauce!
This looks and sounds delicious but I want to try it with chicken breast instead of pork, I know this might be an off the wall question but would anything change about cooking the meat or will I be able to do the same thing
You can use the same method, you’ll just need to keep an eye on it because it will cook at a different pace depending on the thickness and fat content of the meat.
Has anyone attempted these without the onion?
I have an irrational fear/distaste of cooking pork, partly because of the overhyped bacon fever and partly because I’m always afraid of ruining it. But I saw pork chops on sale yesterday, so I bought them and cooked this.
Holy wow, this was amazing. And easy! And I never don’t have apples or onions on hand. Once again, Beth, you are a genius.
This recipe was great! I am not a good cook at all, and this recipe was so easy to follow and it came out delicious. I made it for my boyfriend and roommate and got great reviews! Thanks so much, I love this website, great blog!
I have been eyeing this recipe for months but as I live in the West Indies, where all food is imported, the pork chops will cost me approx. $17.00 US. The apples will be about $4.00 US and the remainder of ingredients negligible. After reading all the favourable reviews I have decided to go for it. Will buy pork chops on weekend ( if food boat comes in ) and make this early next week. The photos look so yummy and I know I will not regret the cost. As I have not yet made it, I am awarding stars based on the pics and reviews.
Made this for dinner tonight! Ummm, ummm good! I did pare my apples though. I served it with Whole Wheat Chicken Stove Top Dressing, and fresh asparagus. Easy and fast. I love pork with apple! Very nice flavor. Delicious! Will make again!
OK. I’m not super savvy in the kitchen and even I could handle this. It is simple and delicious. I paired withe roasted root veggies and string beans.
So, so good! I make so many recipes that “sound” good and I’m always so disappointed. I was a little cautious with this one but it far exceeded what I had hoped for. Also, it was a way to get my husband to eat fruit. Can’t wait to make it again!
The first time I made these, I subbed chicken stock for the bullion and water, which turned out very well. Now I’m trying it with sweet Italian sausage, hopefully this will be great, also!
Im making these for dinner right now and they smell amazing!!! But instead of water I used apple cider… hoping it taste as good as it smells!!! Thank you so much for sharing!
I tried this recipe tonight and It. Was. Amazing! I really didnt think that I could ever cook something that tasted like that and I just have to say thanks. This is not the first recipe of yours that I have made and you never let me down! Your site let me love cooking! Thanks!
These were fantastic! Made them with some quinoa and broccoli. Yummy! I’d actually give them a 4.5 star, with the .5 star off only because these were merely “really delicious” instead of some of the “mind-blowing, life-changing” recipes on this site.
Thanks! Excited to try and experience the pork rapture!
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I just tried this and….I love you
Could you do this in the crockpot? If so, any suggestions about cooking time? Thanks!!
Hmmm, I’m not sure without doing some experimenting. One thing is for sure, though, you won’t get the nice browning action with a slow cooker and that’s pretty important for depth of flavor.