This skillet pork chops and apples is one of my favorite fall recipes. Since apples are in season in the fall, why not? It’s a perfect match if you ask me. An iron skillet is perfect for this and everything cooks in one pan. Another good thing, right? You can also use a stainless steel skillet or pan if that’s what you have.
For the pork chops, I pick the ones that are not so thick, about 1/2-inch thickness is perfect for fast cooking. The thicker cuts will take longer to cook. If it’s too thin they dry out easily.
To give the pork chops flavor, I use fresh rosemary, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper for the marinade. I happen to grow rosemary in my garden and it’s just so easy to clip a few sprigs whenever I need it. Try my roasted chicken recipe with lemon,rosemary and garlic. You’ll be surprised how good it is.
The key here is marinating the pork chops quickly before searing. It certainly makes the pork chops tender, moist and juicy. Searing it on high heat also locks the juices inside the meat.
For the apples, I picked Gala apples for their sweet-tart flavor, and it retains its form well even after cooking and baking. Pick apples that you like to cook or bake with as long as they don’t get mushy.
So before apple season is gone, try this comforting pork chops and apples recipe. It cooks really fast and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Skillet Pork Chops with Apples
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops 1/2-inch thick, bone-in
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp olive oil + more for skillet
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 gala apples
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves finely chopped
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a bowl whisk together the garlic, 2 Tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper, and chopped rosemary. Add the pork chops into the marinade, making sure it is well coated. Cover and let sit for 15 mins.
- Meanwhile, peel the apples and remove the core. Cut the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Brush some oil on an iron skillet and heat it up to medium-high heat. Place pork chops in the hot skillet. Let it sear for 3-4 minutes, or until you see some brown marks. Turn it over. Let cook for another 3-4 mins. Transfer pork chops onto a plate. Add a bit more oil into the skillet. Place apples into the skillet and season it lightly with just a little salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook apples on medium heat until it softens, about 7 mins. turning it over once. Add pork chops back into the skillet. Mix in the chicken broth and let cook for another 1-2 minutes.