Apple Butter Pork Chops

Most pork chop recipes are a one-way ticket to Dryville. Population: your sad dinner. I’m here to offer you a golden parachute made of sweet, savory, and stupidly simple flavor.

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your new weeknight superhero. Forget the complicated spice rubs and hours of brining. We’re making magic with a jar of something glorious.

Get ready for the easiest, most flavorful dinner of your life with these Apple Butter Pork Chops.

You know that feeling when a recipe just works? This is that. The magic of these Apple Butter Pork Chops lies in the alchemy of the pan sauce.

The apple butter doesn’t just add sweetness; it creates a sticky, glossy, deeply caramelized crust that clings to the pork. It’s nostalgic, like a fancier version of the pork chops your grandma made, but it’s also wildly underrated in the modern dinner rotation. Who knew a condiment could be such a powerhouse?

For a cozy vegetarian side, you’ll love the Vegan Mushroom-Stuffed Potato Cakes — hearty and full of texture.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this dish is a five-minute affair.

The star of the show is, obviously, the apple butter. Don’t stress about making your own—a good quality store-bought jar is absolutely perfect here. The rest of the cast is probably already in your pantry, waiting for their moment to shine.

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (the secret tangy hero)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that subtle smoky vibe)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the pork chops generously.Pat your pork chops completely dry with a paper towel—this is the first step to a good sear. Then, hit them hard with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy here.
2. Sear the chops to perfection.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the pork chops. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until you get a beautiful golden-brown crust.Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
3. Whisk together the glorious sauce. In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. You’ve got all those tasty browned bits in there.Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, whisk in the apple butter, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
4. Simmer and let the magic happen. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up all the delicious fond from the bottom of the pan.Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Finish cooking the pork. Return the pork chops to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Let them cook in the sauce for another 3-5 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.You’re basically bathing them in flavor.
6. Serve immediately. Plate those gorgeous Apple Butter Pork Chops and drown them in the remaining pan sauce. Thank me later.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (a big if), they store beautifully.

Let the chops and sauce cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

I like to freeze individual portions for a killer instant lunch. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Butter Pork Chops

• It’s a 30-minute meal. From pan to plate in half an hour, making it a perfect solution for chaotic weeknights when takeout is calling your name.
• The flavor-to-effort ratio is unmatched. It tastes like you spent hours on a gourmet meal, but the secret is a simple, brilliant sauce. It’s a total crowd-pleaser for family and guests alike.
• It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.It’s the main dish that plays well with all your favorite easy side dishes.

If you’re craving a comforting casserole, check out the Lasagna Tater Tot Casserole — pure family nostalgia in every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using paper-thin pork chops. They will overcook in seconds. Aim for that 1-inch thickness for a juicy result.
• Not patting the chops dry before searing. Moisture is the enemy of a good crust. A quick pat-down is non-negotiable.
• Moving the chops around in the pan. Let them sear!Don’t poke and prod them. Trust the process and let that beautiful browning happen.
• Using expired spices. That smoked paprika from 2018 isn’t doing you any favors. Fresh spices make a world of difference, IMO.

Alternatives and Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

For a gluten-free version, just ensure your chicken broth and apple butter are certified GF. To make it dairy-free, you’re already golden—it naturally is. If you’re out of apple butter, a mix of applesauce and a touch of maple syrup can work in a pinch.

For a leaner option, you can use pork tenderloin medallions, just reduce the cooking time. Feel like a different protein? This sauce is also phenomenal on chicken thighs.

This recipe reminds me of our Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken, another weeknight hero that balances comfort and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is a testament to the power of a few simple, quality ingredients. These Apple Butter Pork Chops have earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation, and I have a feeling they will in yours, too. It’s the kind of meal that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort.

So, what are you waiting for? Go make it, and then come back and tell me how it went in the comments!

For even more comforting dinner inspiration, explore our latest family favorites on Pinterest and save your next cozy meal idea.