Chops & Roasts

Pork Chops With Apple Cider Jus

Name: Pork Chops With Apple Cider Jus
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thick; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 cup apple cider; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced

By Clara Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Chops & Roasts

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total60 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made pork chops with apple cider jus for my family. The combination of the tender, smoky pork and the sweet, tangy sauce was a revelation. It's a dish that's perfect for a special occasion, but easy enough to make on a weeknight.

As a home cook, I've always been drawn to recipes that are both comforting and impressive. This dish checks both boxes, with its rich, flavorful sauce and beautifully cooked pork chops. And the best part? It's made with ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make pork chops with apple cider jus, from preparing the pork to reducing the sauce. I'll also share some tips and tricks I've learned along the way to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.

So why make pork chops with apple cider jus? For one, it's a great way to add some excitement to your weeknight dinner routine. The combination of the smoky pork and the sweet, tangy sauce is a game-changer. And because it's made with ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets, you can make it without breaking the bank.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of pork chops with apple cider jus!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The combination of smoky pork and sweet, tangy sauce is a game-changer.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The dish is made with ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
It's a great way to add some excitement to your dinner routine.
The recipe is scalable, so you can make it for a crowd or just for a few people.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of the smoky pork and the sweet, tangy sauce. By cooking the pork chops in a skillet with some oil and then finishing them in the oven, we get a nice crust on the outside and a tender interior. The apple cider jus adds a rich, fruity flavor that complements the pork perfectly.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layers of flavor. We start with the pork chops, which are seasoned with salt, pepper, and some brown sugar. Then we add the apple cider jus, which is made with apple cider, chicken broth, and some butter. Finally, we finish the dish with some fresh herbs, which add a bright, freshness to the dish.

By using these layers of flavor, we create a dish that's both complex and balanced. The smoky pork, the sweet and tangy sauce, and the fresh herbs all work together to create a flavor profile that's both exciting and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets. The key players are the pork chops, apple cider, chicken broth, and butter. You'll also need some salt, pepper, and brown sugar to season the pork chops. Finally, you'll need some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a bright, freshness to the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for pork chops that are about 1-1.5 inches thick. You want them to be thick enough to stay juicy, but not so thick that they're difficult to cook. For the apple cider, you can use either sweet or tart cider, depending on your preference. Just be sure to choose a cider that's 100% apple juice, without any added sugars or preservatives.

4 pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thickLook for pork chops that are about 1-1.5 inches thick, with a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can use either boneless or bone-in pork chops, depending on your preference.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's suitable for high-heat cooking. You can also use other oils, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
1 teaspoon saltUse a flaky, kosher-style salt to season the pork chops. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon black pepperUse a freshly ground black pepper to add depth and complexity to the dish. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or green pepper, if you prefer.
2 tablespoons brown sugarUse a high-quality brown sugar that's fresh and moist. You can also use other types of sugar, such as white sugar or honey, if you prefer.
1 cup apple ciderUse a 100% apple juice cider that's free from added sugars and preservatives. You can choose either sweet or tart cider, depending on your preference.
1 cup chicken brothUse a low-sodium chicken broth that's free from added preservatives and flavorings. You can also use homemade chicken broth if you prefer.
2 tablespoons butterUse a high-quality, salted butter that's fresh and creamy. You can also use other types of butter, such as unsalted or browned butter, if you prefer.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyUse a fresh, curly-leaf parsley that's free from wilted or brown leaves. You can also use other types of herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse a fresh, high-quality garlic that's free from sprouts or green shoots. You can also use other types of garlic, such as elephant garlic or silverskin garlic, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Pork Chops With Apple Cider Jus

Equipment You’ll Need

Large, heavy skillet or Dutch ovenInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatulaWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsCutting boardSharp knife

How to Make Pork Chops With Apple Cider Jus

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Make sure to coat the pork chops evenly, but don't over-season them.
2
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they're nicely browned. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4
Add the apple cider and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of the apple cider jus over the top of each chop. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the pork to stay tender.
7
While the pork chops are resting, strain the apple cider jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan. Discard the solids and bring the jus to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the jus has thickened slightly.
8
Stir in the chopped parsley and cook for 1 minute, or until the parsley is wilted. Season the jus with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Slice the pork chops and serve them with the apple cider jus spooned over the top. You can also serve the dish with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, if you prefer.
10
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help the pork to stay tender and juicy.
11
Serve the pork chops hot, garnished with some additional parsley or thyme, if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcook the pork chops, as this can make them dry and tough. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove the pork from the heat when it reaches 145°F (63°C).
Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing the pork chops, as this can prevent them from browning evenly. Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook properly.
Use a high-quality apple cider that's 100% apple juice, without any added sugars or preservatives. This will give the dish a rich, fruity flavor that's balanced and refined.
Don't skip the step of straining the apple cider jus, as this will help to remove any solids and create a smooth, velvety texture. You can also use a blender or food processor to puree the jus, if you prefer.
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help the pork to stay tender and juicy, and will make the dish more enjoyable to eat.
Consider serving the pork chops with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, to round out the meal and add some variety. You can also serve the dish with a side salad or some steamed broccoli, if you prefer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork chops, which can make them dry and tough.
Not straining the apple cider jus, which can leave the dish with a gritty texture.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, which can lead to undercooked or overcooked meat.
Not letting the pork chops rest before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the pork to become dry.
Using a low-quality apple cider that's not 100% apple juice, which can give the dish a bland or unrefined flavor.
Not seasoning the pork chops evenly, which can lead to a dish that's unbalanced or lacking in flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Using different types of pork chops, such as boneless or bone-in chops, to change the texture and flavor of the dish.
Adding some aromatics, such as onions or carrots, to the skillet with the garlic and butter for added depth of flavor.
Using a different type of sugar, such as white sugar or honey, to change the flavor of the dish.
Adding some spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the apple cider jus for added warmth and depth.
Serving the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, to round out the meal and add some variety.
Using a different type of cider, such as pear cider or grape cider, to change the flavor of the dish.

What to Serve With Pork Chops With Apple Cider Jus

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, to round out the meal and add some variety. You can also serve the dish with a side salad or some steamed broccoli, if you prefer.

Some other options for serving the pork chops include:

- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze

- Sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon

- Mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and cinnamon

- Roasted carrots with harissa and pine nuts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glazeSautéed spinach with garlic and lemonMashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and cinnamonRoasted carrots with harissa and pine nuts

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply cook the pork chops and let them cool, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. The apple cider jus can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat the dish, simply cook the pork chops in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they're heated through. You can also reheat the apple cider jus in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and bubbly.

The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cook the pork chops and let them cool, then freeze them in an airtight container. The apple cider jus can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat the frozen dish, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop as directed above.

Some tips for storing and reheating the dish include:

- Let the pork chops cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them, to prevent the growth of bacteria.

- Use airtight containers to store the dish, to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

- Label the containers with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of what you have in the fridge or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork chops should I use for this recipe?

You can use either boneless or bone-in pork chops for this recipe, depending on your preference. Look for pork chops that are about 1-1.5 inches thick, with a good balance of fat and lean meat.

Can I use a different type of cider for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of cider for this recipe, such as pear cider or grape cider. Just be sure to choose a cider that's 100% fruit juice, without any added sugars or preservatives.

How do I know when the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature?

You can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C). You can also check the pork chops for doneness by cutting into one of them; if the juices run clear, the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Can I make this recipe ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer. Simply cook the pork chops and let them cool, then refrigerate or freeze them in an airtight container. The apple cider jus can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.

What type of sides can I serve with this dish?

You can serve this dish with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad. Some other options include roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze, sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon, or mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Can I use a different type of sugar for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of sugar for this recipe, such as white sugar or honey. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, as different types of sugar can have different levels of sweetness.

How do I prevent the pork chops from becoming dry and tough?

To prevent the pork chops from becoming dry and tough, make sure to not overcook them. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove the pork from the heat when it reaches 145°F (63°C). You can also let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute and the pork to stay tender.

Can I use a slow cooker to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make this recipe. Simply cook the pork chops and apple cider jus in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature and the jus is hot and bubbly.

The Full Recipe

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