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Perfect Cast Iron Bone-In Pork Chops Recipe with Easy Apple Cider Pan Sauce

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This recipe delivers tender, juicy bone-in pork chops seared perfectly in a cast iron skillet, topped with a sweet and tangy apple cider pan sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • A few sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Place the pork chops in the hot skillet without crowding. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. Avoid moving them around during searing.
  4. Check doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop. When it reads 140°F (60°C), remove chops from skillet and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5-7 minutes to reach 145°F (63°C).
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add chopped shallot and minced garlic to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in 1 cup apple cider to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and add fresh thyme sprigs. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half and slightly thickened.
  8. Stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and, if desired, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup. Remove thyme sprigs before serving.
  9. Spoon the apple cider pan sauce over the rested pork chops and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce reduces too much and becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Always rest pork chops after cooking to keep them juicy. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative. Bone-in chops provide more moisture and flavor than boneless.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, cast iron skillet, apple cider sauce, bone-in pork chops, easy dinner, comfort food, quick recipe

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