Apple Fig Pork Chops

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1–1¼ inch thick)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

 

🍏 For the Apple Fig Sauce:

  • 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • ½ small onion or 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup fig preserves
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine
  • ½ teaspoon fresh thyme (or ¼ tsp dried)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (to finish the sauce)
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon or a splash of cream for richness

Instructions:

Instructions:

  1. Season the Pork:
    Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Sear the Chops:
    Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (145°F internal temp). Remove and set aside, tented with foil.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    In the same pan, add sliced onion and apple. Cook 3–5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
    Stir in fig preserves, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Finish the Sauce:
    Stir in 1 tablespoon butter for richness. Optional: add a splash of cream or pinch of cinnamon for extra depth.
  5. Serve:
    Spoon the warm apple-fig sauce over the pork chops and serve immediately. Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables.