Pork Chops Apples Onions: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole: the ultimate comfort food reimagined! Forget fussing with individual pies; this recipe delivers all the creamy, savory goodness of a classic chicken pot pie in a convenient, crowd-pleasing casserole. Imagine sinking your fork into a golden, flaky crust, revealing a rich and flavorful filling brimming with tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables.

Chicken pot pie itself has a fascinating history, evolving from early meat pies enjoyed by the ancient Greeks and Romans. It made its way to America with the colonists and quickly became a staple, adapting to available ingredients and regional preferences. The casserole version, however, is a more modern adaptation, born out of a desire for ease and efficiency without sacrificing flavor.

What makes this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the crisp, buttery topping contrasting beautifully with the creamy, savory filling. The aroma alone is enough to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize the vegetables to your liking, making it a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge. But most importantly, it’s just plain delicious! This casserole is a guaranteed hit with family and friends, offering a comforting and satisfying meal any night of the week.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening sauce)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Pork Chops:

Before we dive into the deliciousness of apples and onions, let’s get our pork chops ready. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect sear and juicy interior.

1. Pat the pork chops dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry each pork chop. This is essential for getting a good sear. Moisture is the enemy of browning!
2. Season generously: Season both sides of the pork chops liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy! The seasoning will penetrate the meat and enhance the flavor. I also like to add a pinch of garlic powder at this stage.
3. Let them rest: Allow the seasoned pork chops to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly.

Sautéing the Apples and Onions:

Now for the heart of the dish – the sweet and savory combination of apples and onions. This step builds the foundation of flavor for our sauce.

1. Heat the olive oil and butter: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron, if you have one), heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. The combination of oil and butter adds richness and prevents the butter from burning.
2. Sauté the onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions. Don’t rush this step; the longer they cook, the more flavorful they become. You want them to be a beautiful golden brown.
3. Add the apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet with the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape, about 5-7 minutes. We don’t want them to turn to mush!
4. Season the apple-onion mixture: Sprinkle the apple-onion mixture with brown sugar, dried thyme, dried sage, and ground cinnamon. Stir to combine and cook for another minute or two, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma. The brown sugar will caramelize slightly, adding a lovely depth of flavor.
5. Remove from skillet: Remove the apple-onion mixture from the skillet and set aside in a bowl. We’ll add it back in later.

Searing the Pork Chops:

This is where the magic happens! Searing the pork chops creates a beautiful crust and locks in the juices.

1. Increase the heat: Increase the heat in the skillet to medium-high. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the pork chops.
2. Sear the pork chops: Add the pork chops to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook them in batches. Sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and have a good crust. The key is to resist the urge to move them around too much. Let them sit undisturbed in the hot skillet to develop that beautiful sear.
3. Remove from skillet: Remove the seared pork chops from the skillet and set aside. They will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Creating the Sauce:

Now, let’s build that amazing sauce that will tie everything together. This is where the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth come into play, adding a tangy and savory element.

1. Deglaze the skillet: Pour the apple cider into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce.
2. Add chicken broth and apple cider vinegar: Add the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Thicken the sauce (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, whisk the all-purpose flour with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 1-2 minutes. This step is optional, but it can help to create a richer and more luxurious sauce.
4. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Bringing it All Together:

This is the final step, where we combine the pork chops, apples, onions, and sauce to create a harmonious and flavorful dish.

1. Return pork chops to skillet: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet with the simmering sauce.
2. Add apple-onion mixture: Add the reserved apple-onion mixture to the skillet.
3. Simmer until cooked through: Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Rest before serving: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork chop.

Serving Suggestions:

Now that your Pork Chops with Apples and Onions are ready, let’s talk about how to serve them. This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.

1. Garnish: Garnish the pork chops with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Side dishes: Serve the pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes), or a simple green salad.
3. Wine pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Riesling or Pinot Grigio, would pair beautifully with this dish. The sweetness of the wine complements the apples and onions, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the pork.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the apple-onion mixture for a touch of heat.

Use different apples:

Feel free to experiment with different types of apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a different flavor profile.

Add herbs:

Fresh rosemary or sage would also be delicious additions to this dish.

Make it ahead:

You can prepare the apple-onion mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it before adding it to the skillet with the pork chops.

Slow Cooker Version:

For a hands-off approach, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Sear the pork chops as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the sautéed apples and onions, apple cider, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork chops are tender. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry if desired.

Pan Sauce Perfection:

The key to a great pan sauce is to not be afraid of the fond (the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan). That’s where all the flavor is! Make sure to scrape up all those delicious bits when you deglaze the pan with the apple cider.

Pork Chop Thickness Matters:

I recommend using pork chops that are about 1-inch thick. Thinner pork chops tend to dry out more easily, while thicker pork chops may take longer to cook through. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of your pork chops.

Don’t Overcook the Pork:

The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F (63°C). Overcooked pork chops can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The sweetness of the apples perfectly complements the savory pork chops, while the caramelized onions add a depth that will have everyone asking for seconds. Seriously, this Pork Chops Apples Onions recipe is a must-try because it’s simple enough for a beginner cook, yet sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning palate. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening, but also light enough to enjoy year-round.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smiths will give you a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp will enhance the sweetness. You could even add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the pan sauce for an extra zing. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love serving these Pork Chops Apples Onions over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious pan sauce. Quinoa or rice are also excellent options for a lighter meal. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans would complete the meal perfectly. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! Maybe you want to add some dried cranberries or walnuts for extra texture and flavor. Or perhaps you’d like to deglaze the pan with a little apple brandy for an extra layer of richness. The possibilities are truly endless.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, creating warm memories around the dinner table.

Ready to embark on this culinary adventure?

I truly believe that this Pork Chops Apples Onions recipe is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and adaptable to your own personal preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it.

But don’t just take my word for it. I encourage you to try this recipe for yourself and see what all the fuss is about. And more importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think?

Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve put your own spin on my recipes. Let’s create a community of food lovers who are passionate about sharing delicious meals and inspiring each other in the kitchen.

So go ahead, give this Pork Chops Apples Onions recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Happy cooking!