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Tender Dutch Oven Pork Chops with Sweet Caramelized Apples

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A comforting and easy recipe featuring tender pork chops braised in a Dutch oven with sweet caramelized apples, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (additional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2–3 fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Place your Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until it shimmers.
  3. Add the pork chops in a single layer. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes. Remove pork chops and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and remaining olive oil. Toss in sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir gently to coat and cook for 5-7 minutes until apples soften and caramelize, stirring occasionally.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Return pork chops to the pot, nestling them among the apples. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and braise gently for 20 minutes.
  7. Check pork chops for tenderness. Remove thyme sprigs. Let chops rest in the pot for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil. Use dried thyme at one-third the amount if fresh is unavailable. To avoid dryness, sear chops well and braise covered on low heat. Let chops rest after cooking to lock in juices. If Dutch oven sticks, wipe with oil before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, caramelized apples, Dutch oven, easy dinner, comfort food, braised pork, fall recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/tender-dutch-oven-pork-chops-with-sweet-caramelized-apples-easy-homemade-recipe/