Talk about a quick and easy dinner that is poppin’ with flavor, these Balsamic Apricot Pork Chops are so simple and deliver big time in the flavor department. I haven’t shared a pork chop recipe and I think this is one for your dinner rotation.
All this takes is a seasoning on both sides of a little kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper and a quick sear in the pan. Place the pan in the oven to finish them off and make the sweet and sour sauce that coats these. I serve them over mashed potatoes and be sure to drizzle more of that amazing sauce over the top of all.
How was everyone’s weekend? I didn’t get in any car accidents! I also cooked, baked and went hiking in the mountains with Dave and our boys. Lots of fantastic new recipes coming your way for the upcoming holidays.
Oh, and we went and saw the Lion King musical this past Tuesday as well. Off. The. Hook. Amazing. Honestly if you can see this tour, GO! I never saw this musical before and it has to be one of my all time favorites. Oh, the costumes, the imagination, the lighting, music and the actors. I could go on and on. Fantastic singing… Just GO see it if you can.
Now, back to these pork chops, which are a fantastic meal and these are bone in for more flavor. Feel free to use boneless if you like.
The kicker in the sauce starts with apricot jam, I use sugar fee as Dave’s a diabetic and occasionally likes it on toast. Mixed with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, thyme and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) and this is it!
Add some chicken stock and cook the sauce down a little to thicken as the pork chops finish in the oven.
What you get is one quick and delicious meal that’s on the table in no time. These are so flavorful, with the sweet and tangy apricot, balsamic and tang of the Dijon mustard. My favorite herb thyme makes an appearance, too.
Serve these over mashed potatoes to drizzle even more of the sweet and sour sauce over these Balsamic Apricot Pork Chops. A little sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and you’re done. With a little side salad or veg of choice you’re good to eat. Enjoy!
If you like these Balsamic Apricot Pork Chops check out my Grilled Hoisin Lamb Chops, Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Sticky Ribs or my Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash too.
Balsamic Apricot Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork chops 4-8oz bone-in, 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick
- salt
- black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup apricot jam (See Note 1)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- pinch red pepper flakes
- parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Season pork chops with kosher salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat combine chicken stock, apricot jam, balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Melt butter in a large oven proof skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes. Place in oven and roast until completely cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. (See Note 2)
- When done remove from oven and pour glaze over pork chops, turning to coat and serve immediately.
Notes
2. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness of pork chops. I used 3/4” thick.
Nutrition
I’ve made this several times already. Love it. The sauce is especially good with wild rice. Going to try it with chicken soon.
Oh that sounds great! I am going to have to try it with wild rice!
Tried this tonight using a pork loin cut diagonally in 2″ pieces! Dinner in under 30 min. Completely in the pot! I even left the meat in the pot after roasting it, and poured the sauce ingredients in to deglaze the pan and thicken! Awesome!
So glad you enjoyed this! It is one of my favorites!
Made them to day. Excellent!
I am so glad you enjoyed them! I cannot wait to make them again!
Omg so making this Sunday what side would you recommend Kevin.
Methinks my Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts and mashed potatoes would do nicely Paulette! 🙂
Kevin, this was so good. I was completely out of balsamic vinegar (that rarely happens) and had to sub red wine vinegar with a bit of brown sugar. It was a quick last minute recipe that looked like it took more time. This is definitely in my rotation.
So happy to read you enjoyed this one and it made the cut Nicole! 🙂
hi! i’m curious if your 510kcal count is for the 4 pork chops or 510 for each. thanks!
Rachel, I had to go in and look at that and found an error in the plugin used to calculate the nutrition. It has been updated and is lower (I use sugar free jam). This is per pork chop, too. Hope this helps!
Excited to try these! The ingredients sound like they’ll make a wonderful blend!
Thanks Liz, and for reminding me of this one. Might have to be dinner tomorrow too!