Delicious and Easy Apricot Drizzled Pork Chops

These delicious apricot pork chops are easy to make, taste great, and have a great table presentation.  Pork chops are an affordable dish, and this recipe was a big win with the kids.  The sauce adds a slightly tangy flavor to well-seasoned pork chops, and unlike many other sauce based recipes it doesn’t require any extra sugar beyond the apricot preserves. Before you begin, here are a few tips:

• Always let the pork chops come to room temperature before cooking.  About 20 minutes or so, covered safely, will help ensure that the pork chops cook all the way through, without overcooking.
• Pork is a very lean meat, so lightly salting the pork chops in advance really brings out the flavor.
• I prefer to sear my on the oven, but you can absolutely bake them as well.  Inspired Taste has a great oven baked recipe worth checking out.

The great part about searing the pork chops is you’ll use one skillet for the entire process, and cleanup is a cinch!

Let’s cook!

Ingredients:

• 4 thin cut pork chops
• 2 tbs olive oil
• ½ cup apricot preserves
• 2 Tbs dijon mustard
• 2 Tbs apple cider vinegar
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup water
• Salt and pepper to season
• Flour for dusting

Step 1: At least half an hour before cooking lightly salt the pork chops, cover on a plate, and let them come to room temperature.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet with the olive oil over medium heat.  2 Tbs is just a suggestion, you only need enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the skillet

Rub each porkchop with just a little bit of flour, and season lightly with pepper, and more salt if desired.

Step 3: Make sure the skillet is hot before cooking – the oil should be clear and wavy, but not smoking.  For a sear, we want to keep the heat high, so cook at most two at a time.  Cook on each side for about 5 minutes.  The pork chop is ready when you achieve a nice sear – at this point the pork chop is no longer stuck to the pan, and is ready to flip.  Still sticky?  Give it a little longer.

Step 4: While the pork chops are cooking (5 minutes per side + 2 batches gives you 20 minutes of prep time), prepare the apricot sauce.  In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, water, and apricot preserves until smooth.

Step 5: When the pork chops finish cooking, remove them to a clean plate and cover to keep them warm.  Reduce the heat in the skillet, and whisk the apricot mixture into the skillet with the drippings from the pork chops.  This will deglaze the skillet, and adds a rich flavor to the sauce.

Step 6: Add the pork chops back to the skillet, letting the mixture coat them and heat them for just a minute or so.  Serve with a little extra sauce dribbled over them.

Enjoy!