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Best Crispy Pork Chops with Easy Apple Cider Glaze

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These crispy pork chops with apple cider glaze are the perfect weeknight dinner or impressive dish for guests. The crust is shatteringly crisp, the glaze is tangy and sweet, and the whole recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick (about 8 ounces each)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 clove garlic, smashed
  • Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take pork chops out of fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of each chop. Lightly dust each side with flour, tapping off excess.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, thyme sprig, and smashed garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let bubble until reduced by half (about 8-10 minutes). Remove thyme sprig and garlic clove.
  4. Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add butter and olive oil. Swirl until butter is melted and foaming.
  5. Carefully lay pork chops in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving. Flip using tongs and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  6. Reduce heat to low. Pour reduced glaze into skillet around pork chops. Let bubble for 30 seconds, then turn each chop in glaze to coat both sides (about 1 minute total).
  7. Transfer glazed pork chops to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Arrange on a warm platter. Spoon remaining glaze over top. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the pork chops; moisture prevents a good crust. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. Double the glaze if you want extra for serving. For thicker chops (1.5 inches or more), sear then finish in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy pork chops, apple cider glaze, pork chops, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, cast iron skillet

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