Growing up, I remember many delicious, homemade dinners made with love by my momma. I had many favorites, but the few that have stuck with me through the years, include alfredo pasta with broccoli and chicken, steak with green beans and mashed potatoes (typically, my go-to birthday dinner), and pork chops with apple sauce. I recently recreated my childhood favorite, pork chops with applesauce, when Blake and I had friends over for dinner. It was a huge hit! This recipe for Skillet Pork Chops with Cinnamon Apples is my version of momma’s pork chops dinner. It is so simple, yet absolutely mouth-watering. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory and I can’t wait for you to try it!
I’ve been on a mission to make the perfect pork chops because, without fail, I overcook them every time. But, I have good news: after much trial and error, I’ve figured out how to cook the perfect pork chop! When recreating this meal, I knew homemade cinnamon apples were a must, as opposed to packaged applesauce. (Truth be told, since making my Paleo Apple Crisp for the first time, I’ve been on a warm apple kick!) Unlike store-bought applesauce with added sugar, homemade cinnamon apples are fresher, naturally sweeter, and definitely packed with more nutrients.
As the air slowly transitions from Summer to Fall (at least here in Texas), this recipe makes for a delicious and warm, Fall dish. I recommend serving it alongside Bacon Brussel Sprouts (omit the apple, if you don’t want more apples) and/or Paleo Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a balanced, yummy meal. Or if you prefer salad, you can try my Paleo-ish Packed Winter Salad (which is actually totally appropriate for every season).
Skillet Pork Chops with Cinnamon Apples
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops about 2 pounds
- 1 tbs avocado oil or ghee
- 1 tbs sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Apple Compote
- 2 large organic apples
- 2 tbs avocado oil or ghee
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Set aside.
- Dice apples. Season with sea salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Heat avocado oil or ghee in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the pork chops and let sit for 3 minutes. Flip and immediately place the hot skillet in the oven. Make sure to use hot pads since the skillet will be HOT!
- Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes (longer for thicker chops). Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Meanwhile, in a separeate skillet, heat ghee over medium-high heat. Add apples and saute until cooked through- about 5 minutes. Do not over cook or they will turn mushy!
- Serve pork chop with apple compote on top!