Experience the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory with these Charred Bourbon Apple Pork Chops, a showstopper for any dinner table. Featuring tender bone-in pork chops seared to golden perfection and nestled in a luscious sauce of caramelized apples, bourbon, apple cider, and a hint of brown sugar, this dish is a cozy, flavor-packed masterpiece. Infused with warming notes of smoked paprika, cinnamon, and fresh thyme, every bite offers a symphony of autumn-inspired tastes. The bourbon deglaze elevates the skillet sauce to restaurant-quality, while a splash of apple cider vinegar adds the perfect tangy finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pan recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to wow your guests. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty, unforgettable meal.
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then carefully place the pork chops in the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until a deep golden crust forms. Remove the pork chops and set aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the apple slices and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize slightly.
Carefully pour in the bourbon, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to deglaze. Allow the bourbon to cook down for about a minute to burn off some of the alcohol.
Add the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the apples. Spoon some of the bourbon apple sauce over the chops. Cover and let cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Remove the skillet from the heat and discard the thyme sprigs. Drizzle in the apple cider vinegar and give the sauce a final stir.
Serve the pork chops warm, topped with the caramelized apples and drizzled with the bourbon apple sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Calories |
2834 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 165.4 g | 212% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.6 g | 293% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 606 mg | 202% | |
| Sodium | 1676 mg | 73% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 92.5 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.9 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 77.0 g | ||
| Protein | 194.3 g | 389% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 189 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 3215 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.