Description
This Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe features tender boneless pork chops cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with apple butter, sautéed apples, brown sugar, and a hint of ancho chili powder. Finished with a touch of heavy cream, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement the pork beautifully. Quick to prepare and ideal for a cozy dinner, it yields four hearty servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Chops
- 1 lb. boneless center-cut pork chop filets (about 2 filets)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Apple Butter Sauce
- 2 apples, cored and sliced (no need to peel; Granny Smith preferred, but Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, or Jonagold also work)
- 7½ oz. apple butter (½ jar; use more if desired)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ancho chili powder (or substitute with regular chili powder)
- â…“ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
Instructions
- Season the Pork Chops: Season both sides of each pork chop evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest while preparing the sauce.
- Cook the Apples: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced apples and cook them over medium heat until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Apple Butter Sauce: Pour in the apple butter, brown sugar, and chili powder into the skillet with the apples. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Then, add the room temperature heavy cream and continue stirring the mixture until it reaches a light boil.
- Reintroduce the Pork Chops: Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, pushing the cooked apples aside to ensure the bottoms of the pork chops contact the skillet surface. Spoon about one tablespoon of the apple butter sauce over each side of the pork chops.
- Finish Cooking the Pork Chops: Continue cooking the pork chops for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through to your desired doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
- Serve: Plate the pork chops and spoon the apple mixture generously over the top. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use apples that hold their shape and have a balance of sweet and tart flavors for the best sauce texture and taste.
- Adjust the amount of apple butter to control the sweetness of the sauce as desired.
- Allow the pork chops to rest after searing to retain juice and achieve tenderness.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked pork.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
