Smart Recipe Kitchen

2026-04-24

This skillet dinner balances savory pork chops with sweet apples and tangy mustard for an easy meal that feels a little more polished than the effort required. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 apples, cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions:

1. Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the shallots, apples, and remaining butter. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until the apples begin to soften.
4. Stir in the mustard, honey, broth, and thyme. Return the pork chops and any juices to the skillet.
5. Simmer 4 to 6 minutes, turning the pork once, until cooked through and the sauce lightly thickens. Rest 3 minutes before serving.

Why it works: The apples soften into the pan sauce while the mustard keeps the dish from tasting overly sweet.

Timing: Prep 10 minutes, cook 18 minutes, total about 28 minutes.