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Savory One-Pan Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops Recipe with Sweet Potato Wedges

apple cider braised pork chops - featured image

Tender pork chops braised in tangy apple cider with caramelized sweet potato wedges, all cooked in one pan for a cozy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 1 cup fresh, unsweetened apple cider
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 34 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon on both sides.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer chops to a plate.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter to the pan. Cook sliced onions until softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and thyme sprigs. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Nestle sweet potato wedges into the pan around the liquid and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Place browned pork chops on top of the sweet potatoes and spoon some liquid over them.
  7. Transfer skillet to the oven and braise uncovered for 25-30 minutes until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature and sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized. Baste chops halfway through cooking.
  8. Remove skillet from oven and let pork rest for 5 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs. Serve pork chops with sweet potatoes and spoon pan sauce over the top.

Notes

Use bone-in pork chops for juicier meat; boneless chops can be used but reduce braising time slightly. Keep an eye on the braising liquid to maintain gentle simmering. If sauce reduces too much, add more broth or cider. Rest pork after cooking to lock in juices. Sweet potatoes should be cut evenly for consistent cooking. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, apple cider, braised pork, sweet potatoes, one-pan meal, easy dinner, comfort food, gluten-free