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Easy 30-Min Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops

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These quick apple cider braised pork chops deliver deep, slow-cooked flavor in just 30 minutes. The perfect weeknight dinner with a glossy, sweet-tangy sauce that clings to tender, juicy pork.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan, then pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Stir in Dijon mustard and thyme sprigs.
  5. Return pork chops to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip chops, cover, and cook another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  6. Transfer pork chops to a plate and tent with foil. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer sauce uncovered for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in apple cider vinegar. If needed, add cornstarch slurry and cook 1 minute more.
  7. Spoon sauce over pork chops and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the searing step—browned bits add flavor. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (145°F). Let pork rest 5 minutes before serving. Adjust sweetness with extra vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar. For a creamy variation, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider braised pork chops, quick pork chops, 30-minute dinner, fall recipe, weeknight dinner, pork chop recipe

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-30-min-apple-cider-braised-pork-chops/