Garlic Butter Pork Chops With Apples Recipe
You’re about to discover my favorite fall comfort dish that combines juicy pork chops with sweet Honeycrisp apples in a rich garlic butter sauce. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless family dinners, and the aroma of sizzling garlic and fresh thyme never fails to draw everyone to the kitchen. The best part? You’ll have this restaurant-worthy meal on your table in just 30 minutes, with that coveted golden crust that makes professional chefs proud.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a foolproof way to impress guests, these garlic butter pork chops will become your new go-to recipe.
I love how the savory garlic butter melts perfectly into the tender meat, creating an irresistible golden crust.
You’ll appreciate how this dish comes together in just 30 minutes while delivering restaurant-quality results every time.
Essential Ingredients
To create these mouthwatering pork chops, you’ll need just a handful of quality ingredients that I always keep stocked in my kitchen.
| Main Ingredients | Seasonings & Extras |
|---|---|
| 4 boneless pork chops | 4 cloves minced garlic |
| 2 medium Honeycrisp apples | 3 tbsp unsalted butter |
| 1/2 cup chicken broth | Salt and black pepper |
| Fresh thyme sprigs | 1 tbsp olive oil |
I’ve found that thick-cut chops work best, but you can use bone-in if you prefer. Trust me, the combination of fresh garlic and sweet apples creates magic on the plate.
Kitchen Tools Needed
Since cooking these juicy pork chops requires proper equipment, I’ll share my favorite kitchen tools that make this recipe a breeze.
You’ll need a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, tongs for flipping the chops, a sharp knife, cutting board, measuring spoons, and a meat thermometer.
I also recommend having a silicone brush for basting the butter sauce.
Tips for Selecting Perfect Pork Chops
Now that you’ve got your tools ready, let’s pick out the star of the show – perfect pork chops.
Look for cuts that are 1 to 1½ inches thick with a pinkish-red color and some marbling throughout.
I always choose bone-in chops because they’re more flavorful and harder to overcook.
If possible, select chops from the rib or center-cut loin section.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s plunge into preparing these mouthwatering garlic butter pork chops – I promise you’ll love how simple yet impressive this method is.
Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side.
Add 4 tablespoons butter, 6 minced garlic cloves, and fresh thyme. Baste the chops with the garlic butter until they reach 145°F internal temperature.
Sauce and Apple Preparation
While your pork chops are resting, you’ll want to prepare the heavenly sauce and apple accompaniment that’ll take this dish over the top.
Let me share my favorite way to create this delectable combination:
- Sauté apple slices in the same pan with 2 tablespoons butter until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes
- Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant
- Pour in ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up those flavorful brown bits, then simmer until slightly thickened
Serving Suggestions
These succulent pork chops and apple sauce deserve to be paired with sides that’ll make your meal truly memorable. I love serving them with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
| Side Dish | Starch Options | Veggie Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Brussels | Buttered Rice | Steamed Broccoli |
| Glazed Carrots | Sweet Potato | Green Beans |
| Asparagus Tips | Quinoa Pilaf | Sautéed Spinach |
Storage and Reheating Guide
Since proper storage is essential for maintaining the juicy tenderness of these pork chops, I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side
- Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals until warm
- Add a pat of garlic butter while reheating to restore moisture and flavor
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Although this garlic butter pork chop recipe is delicious as written, I’ve discovered several tasty variations and substitutions that can help you customize it to your preferences or pantry availability.
You can swap butter with olive oil, use dried herbs instead of fresh, or try different aromatics like shallots or leeks in place of garlic.
For a dairy-free version, coconut oil works beautifully.