Today, I’m excited to share some wonderful ways to prepare pork chops. If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, you’ve come to the right place. Pork chops are a fantastic choice for dinner, quick to cook and easy to adapt with different tastes.
I know you’ll love these two recipes. They are both easy to follow and perfect for weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Pork Chops With Apple Cider: A Sweet & Zesty Meal
These pork chops are cooked in a bright apple cider sauce with tender apples and onions. It’s a wonderful combination that brings a touch of sweetness to your dinner table.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Apple Cider Pork Chops
- Choose Your Apples: Use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape well and add great flavor.
- Cider Quality: A good quality, unfiltered apple cider will give your sauce the best taste. Avoid apple juice, as it’s often too sweet.
- Don’t Overcook: Pork chops can dry out quickly. Sear them well and then simmer just until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What You Need for Apple Cider Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 large apple, cored and sliced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
⏱️ Time: 30 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 Servings
How to Make Apple Cider Pork Chops
Step 1: Prep Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This helps create a nice crust when searing.
Step 2: Sear the Chops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chops from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Apples & Onions
In the same skillet, add the sliced apple and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until they start to soften.
Step 4: Create the Sauce & Finish Cooking
Pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2 minutes. Return the pork chops to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until pork chops are cooked through. Stir in butter and thyme just before serving.
📝 Final Note
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps them stay juicy. Spoon the apple cider sauce over them when serving.
Comforting Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
This recipe gives you tender pork chops covered in a rich and creamy mushroom gravy. It’s a hearty meal that feels special but is simple enough for any night.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mushroom Gravy Pork Chops
- Mushroom Choice: Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are great here, but white button mushrooms work too. For deeper flavor, use a mix of mushrooms.
- Build Flavor: Don’t skip browning the pork chops and mushrooms well. The browned bits in the pan add so much taste to your gravy.
- Gravy Consistency: You can adjust the thickness of your gravy. For a thicker gravy, simmer longer or add a little more flour mixed with water. For thinner, add more broth.
What You Need for Mushroom Gravy Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
⏱️ Time: 35 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 Servings
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Gravy Pork Chops
Step 1: Sear Pork Chops
Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms & Aromatics
Add sliced mushrooms to the same skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their liquid and turn golden. Add onion (or shallots) and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the gravy cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
📝 Final Note
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious mushroom gravy.