Apricot Balsamic Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
smooth, not grainy
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds boneless pork chops
- Several sprigs of fresh thyme
Directions
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, balsamic vinegar, mustard, red pepper flakes, garlic, water, and chicken stock. Set aside.
- 2
In a large (12 inch) cast iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and turn the heat onto high.
- 3
Season pork chops with salt and pepper then place into hot skillet and brown both sides.
- 4
Remove pork chops (you'll finish cooking it later) then cut the heat and move the skillet to another burner that hasn't been on.
- 5
VERY CAREFULLY pour the sauce into the skillet. It will hiss and bubble and spit so be extremely careful. You can choose to wait to do this if you're scared.
- 6
Place back onto medium-high heat and add the pork chops back in along with sprigs of thyme. Simmer in sauce until fully cooked through and sauce has thickened, about 12-15 minutes, depending how thick your pork chops are.
- 7
Serve with generous sauce on top!
Apricot Balsamic Pork Chops
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 26 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly on a busy weeknight? These Apricot Balsamic Pork Chops are about to become your new favorite, delivering an irresistible sweet and tangy bite that will make them a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
What makes these pork chops so remarkable is the perfectly balanced glaze, created from a thoughtful blend of sweet apricot preserves, bright balsamic vinegar, and the subtle kick of Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes. This dynamic sauce, enriched with minced garlic, water, chicken stock, and unsalted butter, transforms simple boneless pork chops into a memorable dish that feels far more impressive than the effort it requires. The addition of fresh thyme infuses every bite with aromatic depth.
Prepare for a symphony of flavors with every forkful. You'll experience the initial burst of bright sweetness from the apricot, quickly followed by the rich, complex tang of balsamic vinegar. The Dijon mustard adds a savory backbone, while the red pepper flakes offer a gentle warmth that prevents the dish from being overly sweet. The boneless pork chops emerge tender and juicy, coated in a luscious, glossy sauce that's begging to be sopped up. This is a truly satisfying meal that tastes like it came from a much fancier kitchen.
Customization & Variations
You can easily tailor these apricot balsamic pork chops to your preference. Adjust the red pepper flakes to dial up or down the heat for a milder or spicier profile. If you enjoy a deeper herbaceous note, consider the delightful aroma of the fresh thyme sprigs, which are essential to the dish's flavor. For a slightly different sweetness, you might consider swapping the apricot preserves for peach preserves, if you're comfortable with a small deviation from the original recipe.
These delightful apricot balsamic pork chops are designed for effortless weeknight dining, making them perfect for busy evenings when you still want a homemade, flavorful meal. They stand beautifully on their own, providing a complete and satisfying main course.