Description

This Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe features tender pan-seared pork chops smothered in a rich, creamy apple butter sauce infused with sautéed apples and a hint of chili powder. The dish beautifully balances savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, making it a perfect cozy meal for fall or any time you crave comforting pork with fruit-based sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pork Chops

1 lb. boneless center-cut pork chop filets (about 2 filets)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Apple Butter Sauce

2 apples, cored and sliced (no need to peel; Granny Smith recommended, but Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, or Jonagold all work)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
7½ oz. apple butter (½ jar; use more if desired; applesauce can also be substituted)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ancho chili powder or chili powder
⅓ cup heavy cream, room temperature

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Instructions

Season Pork Chops: Season both sides of each pork chop generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Sear Pork Chops: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the pork chops and cook each side for 3 minutes until nicely browned. Remove pork chops from skillet and place on a plate; let them rest while preparing the apples.
Sauté Apples: Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and slightly caramelized.
Prepare Apple Butter Sauce: Pour in the apple butter, brown sugar, and chili powder into the skillet with the apples. Stir everything together to combine evenly. Next, add the heavy cream and continue stirring, allowing the mixture to come to a light boil and thicken slightly.
Cook Pork Chops in Sauce: Return the pork chops to the skillet, pushing the apples aside so the bottoms of the pork chops make direct contact with the pan. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the apple butter sauce over each side of the pork chops as you cook. Continue cooking the pork chops for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, indicating they are cooked through but still juicy.
Serve: Serve the pork chops hot, generously spooned with the apple mixture and sauce from the skillet for a rich, flavorful finish.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream.
You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less apple butter according to your preference.
Using different apple varieties will subtly change the flavor profile; tart apples like Granny Smith add brightness, while sweeter varieties will make the sauce mellower.
Ensure pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption while remaining tender and juicy.
Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complement the creamy apple butter sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg