Apple Bourbon Pork Chops are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for colder weather. The combination of pork chops and apples, enhanced by a bourbon glaze, creates a sweet and savory meal. This easy one-pan dish is quick to make, packed with flavor, and even makes for great leftovers!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 3-4 bone-in pork chops

• ¼ cup flour

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced

• 1 cup apple jelly

• ½ cup bourbon

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Optional:

• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
   In a bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Coat both sides of the pork chops in the seasoned flour.

2. Cook the Pork Chops:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Bourbon Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the diced apples, apple jelly, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, kosher salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine the Pork Chops with the Sauce:
   Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the apple bourbon sauce over the pork. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

5. Serve:
   Serve the pork chops with the apples and sauce, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 376 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 31g

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 21g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 60mg

• Sodium: 600mg

• Potassium: 510mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 22g

• Vitamin A: 10% DV

• Vitamin C: 7% DV

• Calcium: 3%

The Perfect Pairing: Pork Chops and Apples

The combination of pork and apples is a classic that never fails to impress. Pork chops, especially bone-in cuts, are juicy, flavorful, and hold up well to the sweetness of apples. When paired with the richness of the bourbon sauce, they create a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

The Honeycrisp apples are the ideal choice for this dish. Known for their sweet-tart balance and crisp texture, they hold their shape when cooked, offering a lovely contrast to the tender pork. As they cook down in the bourbon sauce, they become soft, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the glaze while adding a natural sweetness that enhances the dish.

Seasoned Pork Chops: A Crispy Coating for Maximum Flavor

Coating the pork chops in a seasoned flour mixture before cooking gives them a golden, crispy exterior that locks in the juices and flavor. The flour coating also helps thicken the sauce later on, creating a velvety texture that clings to the pork and apples. The addition of kosher salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes gives the pork a nice balance of seasoning and a hint of heat, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Once the pork chops are cooked to a perfect golden brown, they are set aside to rest while the bourbon sauce is prepared, allowing the meat to stay juicy and tender while the sauce is made.

Bourbon Sauce: Sweet, Savory, and Rich

The bourbon sauce is the star of the dish, providing a depth of flavor that elevates the pork chops. Combining diced apples, apple jelly, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and honey creates a sauce that is both sweet and savory, with a hint of tartness from the vinegar and soy sauce. The bourbon adds complexity to the glaze, imparting a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and honey.

Simmering the sauce for a few minutes allows the ingredients to meld together, thickening the glaze and concentrating the flavors. The garlic and red pepper flakes add additional layers of flavor, giving the sauce an aromatic kick and a touch of spice.

Cooking Process: Simple Yet Flavorful

This dish is easy to prepare and doesn’t require much hands-on time. The steps are straightforward and can be broken down into a few key tasks:

1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops with a flour mixture that includes salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. This will form a crisp, flavorful coating once the chops are seared.

2. Cook the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Bourbon Sauce: In the same skillet, add diced apples, apple jelly, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld.

4. Combine the Pork and Sauce: Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the apple bourbon sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the pork to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

5. Serve: Once the pork chops are cooked through and coated in the rich sauce, serve them immediately, garnished with fresh thyme for added color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions: A Complete Meal

Apple Bourbon Pork Chops are perfect when served with a variety of side dishes. For a comforting and balanced meal, pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. The richness of the potatoes complements the savory sauce, while the crispy pork chops add texture and flavor.

You can also serve the pork chops with sautéed greens, such as spinach, kale, or green beans, which add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also provide a nice, light contrast to the heaviness of the pork and sauce.

Nutritional Information: A Balanced Comfort Meal

Each serving of Apple Bourbon Pork Chops contains approximately 376 calories, making it a satisfying yet not overly heavy meal. With 20g of protein per serving, it’s a great choice for those looking for a protein-packed dish. The fat content (21g) includes 6g of saturated fat, which comes from the pork and olive oil, providing richness without being excessive.

The dish also provides 22g of sugar, primarily from the apples, honey, and apple jelly, offering a balanced sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the pork and bourbon sauce. With 3g of fiber per serving, the dish also offers some nutritional benefits from the apples and other ingredients.

The meal is high in sodium (600mg per serving), so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. However, the rich flavor profile compensates for the sodium, making it a satisfying indulgence when enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish

Apple Bourbon Pork Chops are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for colder weather or when you’re craving something savory and slightly sweet. The combination of tender, juicy pork chops with the sweetness of apples and the rich, smoky bourbon glaze makes this dish a standout. It’s easy to make, and the flavors only improve as they meld together. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.