Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant dinner that’s bound to impress without stressing you out, let me introduce you to my fan-freaking-tastic Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe. This dish is a beautiful harmony of tender pork chops, subtly sweet apples, and a luscious, savory white wine sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become one of your go-to meals for both weeknights and special occasions!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Balance: The sweet apples paired with the savory pork and herbs create a flawless flavor marriage.
- Juicy Pork Chops: Allowing the pork to rest at room temperature before searing locks in juicy, tender meat every time.
- Rich White Wine Sauce: Deglazing the pan with white wine captures all those delicious browned bits for an unbeatable sauce.
- Simple Techniques: No fancy equipment required—just some patience and a skillet, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe combines pantry staples with fresh produce, creating a layered flavor profile. Choosing the right ingredients can make a huge difference, so I’ll walk you through what matters most and what to look for when you shop.
- Pork Chops: I recommend center-cut, bone-in chops about 1 to 1.5 inches thick—they hold onto moisture better, making your chops juicy and flavorful.
- Apple: Choose slightly tart and firm apples like Fuji, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith for that perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Dry White Wine: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc elevate the sauce beautifully; if you prefer, chicken broth works as a great substitute.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens the sauce with that unmistakable savory punch.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the pork and apples.
- Chicken Broth: Combines with cornstarch for a luscious sauce base—make sure it’s cool so the cornstarch doesn’t clump prematurely.
- Honey & Brown Sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness enhances the apples without overpowering the dish.
- Herbs & Spices: Thyme, oregano, sage, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg add warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe is—you can easily tweak it depending on what’s in your pantry or your mood. Sometimes I add a bit more garlic for a punchier sauce or swap out the apple varieties for something more seasonal. Don’t hesitate to adapt this recipe to your liking!
- Variation: Once, I swapped the white wine for apple cider, and it brought a lovely autumnal twist that everyone adored.
- Dietary Change: For a dairy-free option, skip the butter and use olive oil; the sauce will still be flavorful and luscious.
- Extra Veggies: Adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the pan before the sauce step adds a savory boost and some earthiness.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a gentle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweet apples.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pork Chops Like a Pro
Start by generously seasoning both sides of your pork chops with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you have a little extra time, I highly recommend letting them sit out at room temperature for 35-45 minutes—it helps the salt penetrate, resulting in more flavorful, juicy pork. If you’re short on time, no worries, just season right before cooking.
Step 2: Mix Up the Magic Sauce Base
While the pork rests, whisk together your chicken broth and cornstarch in a cool bowl—making sure the broth isn’t warm is key to avoid clumps. Then stir in honey, balsamic vinegar, your dried herbs and spices, brown sugar, and the bouillon cube. Set this aside; it’s going to turn into a beautifully rich sauce shortly.
Step 3: Sear Those Pork Chops to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops in batches—overcrowding will steam them instead of crisping up the edges. Cook about 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the other, adjusting slightly for thickness. Don’t forget to prop them up on their edges to crisp the fat, it makes a delightful difference. Once seared, set them aside to rest; we’ll finish them in the sauce soon.
Step 4: Create That Heavenly White Wine Sauce
With the pork out of the pan, turn off the heat and pour in the white wine. Turn the heat back to medium and scrape the skillet bottom with a silicone spatula to loosen those tasty browned bits. Stir in the butter and garlic, and let everything simmer until the liquid reduces by half—about 4 minutes. Then add your chicken broth mixture, bring it to a boil so the cornstarch activates and thickens the sauce nicely, and lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Finish With Apples & Resting Time
Peel and slice your apple thinly—about ¼ inch slices work best. Nestle the pork chops back into the sauce along with any juices from the resting plate, then add the apples. Spoon sauce over everything, cover, and simmer gently for 5-8 minutes until the apples soften and the pork reaches around 145°F internally. Finally, take the skillet off the heat and let the pork rest for 3-5 minutes; this little pause lets those juices redistribute for optimum tenderness.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe
- Dry Brining: Salting the chops and letting them rest enhances flavor and texture remarkably—don’t skip this if you can!
- Searing in Batches: Overcrowding the skillet traps steam and prevents a nice crust—sear in batches for the best caramelization.
- Wine Substitutes: No wine on hand? No problem! Use extra chicken broth or a non-alcoholic white wine for a similar effect.
- Submerge the Apples: Letting the apples sit submerged in the sauce helps them soften evenly while soaking up that incredible flavor.
How to Serve Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top right before serving—it adds a welcome pop of color and freshness that complements the sauce nicely. Sometimes, I also love a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of extra honey if I’m feeling a touch sweeter.
Side Dishes
This meal shines with simple, hearty side dishes. I often serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy wild rice pilaf to soak up that gorgeous sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans offer a nice fresh crunch and a pop of green that balances the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
On special occasions, I like to plate the pork chops over a bed of sautéed spinach or applewood-smoked bacon bits for an added savory touch. Plating with a few apple slices fanned out around the pork chop makes such a pretty presentation that’s totally Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover apple pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce really soaks into the pork overnight, making the leftovers incredibly flavorful—perfect for a quick dinner rewind.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a charm! I freeze individual portions in freezer-friendly containers or bags for up to three months. It’s a real lifesaver when I want homemade comfort food in a pinch.
Reheating
To reheat, I thaw the pork chops overnight in the fridge (or use the microwave’s defrost setting if in a rush), then warm them gently in the oven at 350°F in a covered dish for about 20 minutes. This keeps them juicy and prevents overcooking.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless pork chops for this Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in chops provide extra flavor and moisture, boneless pork chops work well too—just keep an eye on the cooking time as they typically cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
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What if I don’t have dry white wine for the sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with more chicken broth or a non-alcoholic white wine. The sauce will still have great flavor, just with a slightly different profile.
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How can I tell when pork chops are cooked perfectly?
I use a digital meat thermometer—when the internal temperature hits 145°F, the chops are perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat. Letting them rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and season the pork chops earlier, and mix your sauce ingredients in advance. Just keep the components refrigerated separately and combine when you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe has been a real kitchen favorite of mine—there’s something so irresistibly cozy about tender pork mingling with sweet apples and that silky sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I promise this dish will hit all the right notes. Give it a try and feel free to make it your own; I can’t wait for you to savor every bite as much as I do!
Print
Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Apple Pork Chops recipe features juicy, perfectly seared pork chops simmered in a flavorful sauce made with white wine, apples, and a blend of herbs and spices. The dish combines savory and sweet elements, creating a comforting and delicious meal perfect for dinner. The tender pork chops paired with softened apples and a rich, thickened sauce offer a wonderful balance of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 pork chops, center cut, bone-in, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 apple, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Cortland, Jonagold, Braeburn, or Granny Smith best)
Sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Prep the Pork Chops: Season each side of the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let them sit at room temperature for 35-45 minutes for best flavor and juiciness. If short on time, season just before searing.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine chicken broth with cornstarch and stir until fully dissolved to avoid lumps. Add the bouillon cube, honey, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dried thyme, oregano, mustard powder, onion powder, parsley, sage, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well and set aside in a cool place.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the second side, adjusting time for thickness. Ensure edges are seared by holding pork with tongs. Remove chops and let rest.
- Deglaze the Pan: Turn off the heat and add the white wine to the skillet. Set heat back to medium and use a spatula to scrape up all browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pan to incorporate their flavor into the sauce.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Stir in the butter and minced garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer until reduced by half, about 4 minutes, enhancing depth of flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the prepared chicken broth mixture. Bring the sauce to a boil to activate the cornstarch, thickening it quickly. Once thickened, reduce heat to low and simmer gently.
- Add Pork Chops and Apples: Add the pork chops back to the skillet with any accumulated juices. Submerge the apple slices in the sauce and spoon syrup over the top for even flavor.
- Simmer and Finish: Cover and simmer gently for 5-8 minutes until the apples soften and the pork reaches an internal temperature near 145°F. Remove from heat and let the pork rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Pork Chop Selection: Use center cut, bone-in pork chops with good marbling for best flavor and juiciness.
- Apple Choice: Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Cortland, Jonagold, Braeburn, or Granny Smith apples complement pork well.
- Wine Options: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc work best. For alcohol-free dishes, substitute with additional chicken broth.
- Dry Brining: Salting the pork chops 35-45 minutes before cooking penetrates the meat for enhanced seasoning.
- Searing Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet for even browning; sear edges by holding pork chops upright with tongs.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the fridge, then bake covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with sausage stuffing or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce and apples
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
