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Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops

Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops
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Tender Apple Butter Pork Chops are a juicy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner option that combines succulent pork chops with a sweet and tangy apple butter glaze. Perfect for any night of the week, this one-pan recipe ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat with balanced flavors and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pork Chops

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Apple Butter Glaze

  • 1/3 cup apple butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or fresh apple juice with a splash of lemon as substitute)

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (use olive oil for dairy-free)

Optional Fresh Herbs

  • Fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, or tarragon for garnish or glaze infusion

Optional Variations

  • Pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for spice
  • Honey or maple syrup to mix with apple butter for extra sweetness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to ensure a flavorful crust and proper searing.
  2. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook without moving for about 4 minutes per side, until a rich golden-brown crust forms. Remove chops and set aside.
  3. Make the Apple Butter Glaze: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in apple butter, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, whisking to create a smooth glaze. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
  4. Combine and Cook Through: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon glaze generously over each one. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once, allowing the chops to absorb the glaze and cook evenly.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove skillet from heat and let pork chops rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Spoon any remaining glaze over the chops before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Let pork chops reach room temperature (about 20 minutes) before cooking for even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  • For best searing, use a heavy skillet like cast iron for excellent heat retention.
  • Double the glaze recipe to drizzle extra over sides or leftovers.
  • Rest pork chops before slicing to keep them juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, apple butter, easy dinner, juicy pork chops, one-pan meal, quick dinner, gluten-free pork recipe, apple glaze

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/tender-apple-butter-pork-chops/