Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful dish that feels just right for any night of the week, then you’re going to love this Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe. It brings together tender pork chops, a touch of sweetness from fresh apples, and a rich, silky white wine sauce that makes every bite a little celebration. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The savory pork pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the apple and honey, while the white wine sauce adds a nuanced depth.
  • Juicy, Tender Pork Chops: By allowing the meat to sit at room temperature and salting it ahead, the chops come out juicy every time.
  • Simple Yet Elegant Sauce: The white wine sauce with garlic and herbs is easy to make but feels luxurious on the plate.
  • Versatile and Kid-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish — it’s comforting, not overly complicated, and easily adaptable.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe lies in the balance between fresh, quality ingredients and a careful layering of flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role, and knowing why will help you nail it every time.

Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce, pork chop recipes with apples, easy pork chop dinner, flavorful pork chop recipes, white wine pork dishes - Flat lay of four bone-in pork chops with marbled meat, a whole fresh apple with smooth skin, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of pale dry white wine, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of dark balsamic vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed dried herbs and spices (thyme, oregano, parsley, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, mustard powder, onion powder), a small white ceramic bowl of pale chicken broth, and a small white ceramic bowl of white cornstarch powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997
  • Pork Chops: Choose center-cut, bone-in chops about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for best flavor and moisture; thinner or boneless cuts can dry out.
  • Salt and Italian Seasoning: Simple seasonings that highlight the meat’s natural flavor while adding herbal notes.
  • Olive Oil: For a nice sear on the pork chops without smoking or burning.
  • Dry White Wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio all work well to brighten the sauce; if you prefer, non-alcoholic white wine or extra broth can substitute.
  • Butter and Garlic: Add richness and depth to the sauce, creating that velvety mouthfeel.
  • Apple: Choose a crisp, slightly tart variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith to complement the savory pork and balance the sweetness.
  • Chicken Broth and Cornstarch: Provide the liquid base and thickening for the sauce, ensuring it’s smooth without being gluey.
  • Honey and Balsamic Vinegar: A subtle sweetness and acidic tang that wake up the sauce.
  • Herbs and Spices: Thyme, oregano, sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg add warmth and complexity, giving the sauce character without overwhelming.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe depending on the season or what we’re craving. Feel free to switch up the apples or herbs to showcase your personal style or ingredients on hand.

  • Variation: Sometimes I add a splash of cream to the sauce at the end for a richer feel—great when we want something extra cozy.
  • Dietary Mods: For a low-sodium option, reduce salt and use low-sodium broth; to make it gluten-free, check your bouillon and cornstarch labels, as most cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.
  • Seasonal Twist: Swap white wine for apple cider in fall for a warmer, autumnal vibe that’s perfect with the apples!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season and Rest Your Pork Chops

Start by seasoning both sides of your pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Here’s a little trick I swear by: let the chops sit out at room temperature for 35 to 45 minutes before cooking. This dry brining helps the salt work its magic inside the meat, making each bite juicy and flavorful. If you’re short on time, season just before cooking, but give that resting period a try next time to taste the difference.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sauce Base

While the pork rests, mix together your chicken broth and cornstarch carefully—make sure the broth is cold or room temp so the cornstarch doesn’t clump or thicken prematurely. Then stir in the honey, spices, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and your dried herbs. I love how all these flavors mingle before hitting the hot pan!

Step 3: Sear Pork Chops to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that the oil smokes. Add your pork chops in batches so they’re not overcrowded—crowding leads to steaming, not searing. Cook each chop for 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and sear for 1-2 minutes on the other. If your chops are extra thick or boneless, you might need a little longer. Use tongs to stand the chops on their edges to crisp any fat. Once seared, set the chops aside and let them rest for a bit while you make that dreamy sauce.

Step 4: Craft the White Wine Sauce

Turn off the heat on your skillet, then pour in the white wine. Use a spatula to scrape up every last bit of brown goodness stuck to the pan—that’s pure flavor. Then add in butter and garlic, letting it gently simmer until the liquid reduces by half (about 4 minutes). Next, stir in your prepared chicken broth mixture and bring it to a boil. This activates the cornstarch and thickens the sauce quickly. Once thickened to your liking, reduce the heat to low and get ready to add your apples and pork back in.

Step 5: Add Apples and Finish Cooking

Peel and thinly slice your apple (about 1/4 inch thick). Add the pork chops back into the skillet, including any resting juices you’ve collected. Nestle the apple slices into the sauce, making sure they’re partially submerged for even softening. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for 5-8 minutes — this lets the pork finish cooking safely to 145°F and the apples soften just right. After resting the chops off heat for a few minutes, you’re ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe

  • Dry Brine for Juiciness: Don’t skip letting your pork rest at room temperature with salt; it transforms your chops from average to restaurant-worthy.
  • Don’t Rush the Sear: Give your pan time to get hot and sear in batches—this creates a gorgeous crust and locks in moisture.
  • Scrape the Pan is Your Best Friend: Those browned bits after searing? They’re packed with flavor and make your sauce unforgettable when deglazed with wine.
  • Keep an Eye on Sauce Thickness: Corstarch thickens fast once boiling; remove from heat promptly when you get your silky consistency to avoid a gummy sauce.

How to Serve Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe

Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce, pork chop recipes with apples, easy pork chop dinner, flavorful pork chop recipes, white wine pork dishes - A white pan holds three pork chops covered with a creamy light brown sauce sprinkled with small green herbs. Around the pork chops, there are curved, golden yellow apple slices arranged in a ring touching the edge of the pan. The sauce looks smooth and thick, lightly coating the meat and apples. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to garnish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme — it adds a fresh pop of green that brightens the deep colors of the sauce and apples. A little cracked black pepper cracked over the top right before serving also amps up the aroma beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines paired with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles—perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce. Roasted green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts add a fresh crunch and balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve plated these pork chops atop a bed of wild rice pilaf with apple slices fanned out around the edge. Drizzling a little extra white wine sauce over everything makes it look elegant without fuss. A sprinkle of toasted pecans adds a lovely textural contrast and a hint of nuttiness that guests always love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them — they stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days. The sauce really keeps the pork tender even after a couple of days in the fridge.

Freezing

When I want to save some for later, I freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing up. They’ll keep for about 3 months without losing that delicious saucy goodness.

Reheating

For the best results, thaw frozen pork chops overnight in the fridge. I reheat them gently in the oven — covered, at 350°F for about 20 minutes — to keep the meat moist and prevent drying. Alternatively, a quick reheat on the stovetop in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth works well too.

FAQs

  1. Can I use boneless pork chops for this Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe?

    Yes! Boneless pork chops will work, but keep in mind they tend to cook faster and might dry out more easily. Look for chops about 1-inch thick or slightly thicker, and sear them a little less aggressively. Using a bit more butter or a splash of broth during cooking can help keep them juicy.

  2. What type of apples are best for this recipe?

    Apples that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness work best. Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady are favorites. They soften nicely in the sauce without turning mushy, complementing the pork wonderfully.

  3. Can I skip the white wine?

    Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute extra chicken broth or a combination of broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar to give that slight tang. The sauce will still be flavorful and delicious.

  4. How do I know when the pork chops are done?

    Use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature; they’re perfectly cooked at 145°F. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy. After simmering in the sauce and resting, the chops will reach this ideal temp.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe has become a go-to comfort dinner for me, especially when I want something that feels both special and effortless. The combo of savory pork, tender apples, and that silky, herb-filled sauce always gets compliments — and it’s a treat that’s easy enough to whip up anytime. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much as my family does. Give it a try, and soon it might become one of your favorites too!

Print
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Apple Pork Chops with White Wine Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 17 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Apple Pork Chops recipe offers a delicious combination of juicy, seasoned pork chops simmered with tender apple slices in a flavorful white wine and herb sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner showcasing a balance of savory and sweet flavors.


Ingredients

Pork Chops

  • 4 pork chops (center cut, bone-in, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup dry white wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 apple (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Cortland, Jonagold, Braeburn, or Granny Smith)

Sauce

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ chicken bouillon cube
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon ground sage
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch nutmeg (small pinch)


Instructions

  1. Prep the Pork Chops: Season each side of the pork chops with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. For best results, let them sit at room temperature for 35-45 minutes to allow the salt to penetrate the meat and make the pork juicier. If short on time, season just before searing.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine chicken broth with cornstarch, mixing thoroughly until smooth. Ensure the broth is cool to prevent activating the cornstarch. Stir in the chicken bouillon cube, honey, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dried herbs (thyme, oregano, parsley), mustard powder, onion powder, ground sage, cinnamon, and a small pinch of nutmeg. Set this mixture aside in a cool place until needed.
  3. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops two at a time and sear each side: 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the second. Adjust time for thickness — thicker cuts require longer searing. Remove and let rest.
  4. Deglaze and Start the Sauce: Turn off the heat, add the white wine to the skillet, and set the heat back to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom and sides of the skillet, as these add rich flavor to the sauce.
  5. Add Butter and Garlic: Stir in butter and minced garlic and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 4 minutes.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the prepared chicken broth mixture and bring to a boil to activate the cornstarch. The sauce will thicken quickly; once thickened, reduce to a simmer.
  7. Prepare the Apples: Peel the apple and slice into ¼-inch thick slices.
  8. Simmer the Pork and Apples: Add the seared pork chops back into the skillet along with any juices released. Add the apple slices, spoon sauce over them, and submerge apples partially for better softening. Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 5-8 minutes, or until apples soften and pork reaches an internal temperature close to 145° F.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes so the temperature can rise slightly and juices absorb. Serve warm with your choice of sides such as sausage stuffing.

Notes

  • Use center cut, bone-in pork chops, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, with marbling for best flavor and juiciness.
  • Recommended apple varieties for pairing with pork include Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Cortland, Jonagold, Braeburn, and Granny Smith.
  • Preferred dry white wines are Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc; non-alcoholic white wine or chicken broth can be used as substitutes.
  • If dry brining the pork chops for 35-45 minutes, you can salt more liberally as the salt penetrates the meat thoroughly.
  • Sear pork chops in batches without overcrowding the skillet to get a nice crust and crisp edges. Use tongs to sear fat edges if present.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave, then bake covered in a lightly greased casserole dish at 350° F for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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