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Quick Apple Cider Pork Chops – Best 30-Minute Dinner

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Tender pork chops seared to perfection and finished with a glossy, tangy-sweet apple cider sauce. This quick and easy weeknight dinner comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick (6 oz each)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or apple slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  4. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and thyme sprigs. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half and slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Warm through for about 1 minute. Remove thyme sprigs before serving.
  9. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or apple slices if desired.

Notes

For best results, use pork chops at least 1-inch thick. Pat the chops very dry for a good sear. If sauce tastes too sharp, add a tiny pinch of sugar. If too thin, simmer a minute longer until it coats the back of a spoon. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cider.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider pork chops, quick dinner, 30-minute meal, pork chop recipe, weeknight dinner, easy pork chops, apple cider sauce

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/quick-apple-cider-pork-chops-best-30-minute-dinner/