BEST HONEY MUSTARD APPLE PORK CHOPS

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Honey Mustard Apple Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Talk Pork Chops: Choosing the Right Cut

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of pork chops! When it comes to this recipe, you have a few options, and honestly, it mostly comes down to personal preference. Bone-in chops will generally be juicier because the bone helps retain moisture during cooking. Boneless chops, on the other hand, cook a little faster and are easier to eat. I tend to lean towards bone-in for flavor, but both work beautifully here.

Thickness is also key! Aim for chops that are about an inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t dry out. If your chops are thinner, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Nobody wants tough, dry pork!

The Secret to a Perfect Sear

Before we even think about that amazing honey mustard apple sauce, we need to talk about searing! This is where you get that gorgeous golden-brown crust on your pork chops that adds so much flavor and texture. Here’s the breakdown:

• Pat ’em dry: This is crucial! Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the pork chops before seasoning.
• Season generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is your flavor foundation.
• Hot pan, hot oil: Make sure your pan is screaming hot before adding the oil. You should see a shimmer.
• Don’t overcrowd: Work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and you’ll end up steaming the pork chops instead of searing them.
• Leave them alone: Resist the urge to move the pork chops around while they’re searing. Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes per side to develop that beautiful crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started:

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.

Sear the Pork Chops:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook in batches.
3. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nicely seared.
4. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Make the Honey Mustard Apple Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced apples and cook until slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where all the good flavor lives!
6. Stir in the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and chicken broth.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Stir in the fresh thyme (if using).

Combine and Finish:

1. Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the honey mustard apple sauce.
2. Spoon some of the sauce over the pork chops.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8-12 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
4. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!

These Honey Mustard Apple Pork Chops are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few complementary side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious honey mustard apple sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes would all be fantastic roasted alongside the pork chops.
• Quinoa or rice: A simple grain dish is a great way to round out the meal. You might also enjoy Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice for a burst of flavor!
• Green salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pork chops and sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are a few extra tips to help you nail it every time:

• Don’t overcook the pork chops: Overcooked pork is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to the perfect temperature (145°F/63°C).
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the honey mustard apple sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook the pork chops, simply sear them and add them to the warmed sauce.

Speaking of easy dinners, have you tried Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken? It’s another winner with that sweet and spicy flavor profile!

Variations: Make it Your Own!

One of the best things about cooking is experimenting and making a recipe your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Different fruits: Try using pears, peaches, or even cranberries instead of apples.
• Different mustards: Experiment with different types of mustard, such as spicy brown mustard or horseradish mustard.
• Add some herbs: Rosemary, sage, or oregano would all be delicious additions to the sauce.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special meal to share with family and friends, these Honey Mustard Apple Pork Chops are sure to impress. They’re also a great option for holidays like Thanksgiving Family Holiday Meals, offering a delicious alternative to turkey.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Dig In and Enjoy!

There you have it – my absolute favorite Honey Mustard Apple Pork Chops recipe! I hope you love it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Best Honey Mustard Apple Pork Chops

These Honey Mustard Apple Pork Chops are a delightful combination of savory and sweet. Tender pork chops are seared to perfection and simmered in a luscious honey mustard apple sauce, making for a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium apples such as Honeycrisp or Gala
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme optional

Equipment

• Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
• small bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Meat Thermometer
• knife
• cutting board
• paper towels
• spatula
• Plate

Method

 

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat.
5. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook in batches.
6. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nicely seared.
7. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
8. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
9. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
11. Add the sliced apples and cook until slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
12. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
13. Stir in the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and chicken broth.
14. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
15. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
16. Stir in the fresh thyme (if using).
17. Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the honey mustard apple sauce.
18. Spoon some of the sauce over the pork chops.
19. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8-12 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
20. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pork chops, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C). Adjust the sweetness by reducing the honey if desired. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. The honey mustard apple sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed.