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Flavorful Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Easy Apple Cider Reduction

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Juicy bone-in pork chops seared to perfection and topped with a tangy, slightly sweet apple cider reduction infused with fresh thyme and garlic. A quick and easy recipe perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3–4 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 cup apple cider (unsweetened)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add pork chops to the pan without overcrowding. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Use tongs to flip carefully.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over the chops repeatedly to baste.
  5. Continue cooking and basting for another 3-4 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  6. Remove pork chops from the pan and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 5 minutes.
  7. Pour off excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Scrape browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon.
  8. Bring liquid to a gentle boil and reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in honey if using. Adjust seasoning with salt or more cider vinegar if needed.
  9. Serve pork chops drizzled with the warm apple cider reduction and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops reach 145°F for perfect doneness. Rest chops before serving to keep them juicy. Moderate heat during reduction prevents burning. Add water or broth if sauce thickens too much. For dairy-free, substitute butter with neutral oil like avocado oil. Boneless chops cook faster; reduce searing time accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, pan-seared pork chops, apple cider reduction, thyme, easy dinner, quick pork recipe, comfort food, gluten-free, dairy-free option

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