This easy recipe for one pan honey apricot pork chops is not only tasty and healthy, it's a winner all year long, with fresh fruit or canned!
Happy 2019 everyone!
I know it's a pretty popular idea to make resolutions each year or even choose a word or phrase of the year. I never do this. I don't really know why - it's just never been a thing I do. There are so many things I would like to work on, and choosing too many things can be overwhelming. I don't think I can do all things well...but how do I choose just one thing?
Hmm, maybe I'll think on this and get back to you.
I do know that the beginning of a new year is a popular time for a lot of people to work on the healthiness of their lifestyle. I can't do much about the fitness part here on this food blog (though I do have a post coming about what my fitness routine looks like, since I don't go to the gym). Only you can get you to work out! I can, however, attempt to help inspire you to cook and eat better! (A side benefit is that it helps and inspires me!)
Our family doesn't have any diet restrictions, so I know you don't see a lot of gluten-free or paleo or keto recipes here, but as we make recipes, we do find that they are compliant with some of those diet lifestyles and I love sharing those with you.
Today, I'm sharing a really quick dinner that you can make any night of the year (with the help of canned apricots)...that is also healthy! Everything in this recipe can be made in one pan, to make your dinner time hustle a little more productive. This dinner is also really helpful because, at least for me, I have most of the ingredients on hand already. If you don't keep canned fruit in your pantry, well, you should. I usually keep an assortment of canned mandarins, peaches, pineapples and apricots in the pantry, and I use them for salads, pizza, breakfasts, and so on. (P.S. I always rinse the fruit off in a colander to get off any of that sugary syrup because we don't need that stuff!)
(I am using a nonstick skillet in this recipe - I have this one and LOVE IT - but any large skillet with a lid will work.)
I don't cook with pork chops a lot because they are so easy to overcook and they dry out so easily. I love pork chops, though. They're a great alternative to chicken (Hey, I guess that's why they call it "the other white meat!"). I think the secret to making these chops so perfect is that they simmer in the most delicious apricot sauce, which means they are just taking in so much moisture and flavor.
I served the pork chops with mashed potatoes, but you could make some rice and serve it alongside that as well. Keep it simple, ya know!
Speaking of keeping it simple, I'd like to make this a little easier for you to make by giving you one of these non-stick Calphalon pans I used to make it. I love this pan (not sponsored!)! Enter here - good luck!
Calphalon Classic Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan with Lid, 12"
Another great reason to love this recipe is that if you make it during the summer, you can use fresh peaches or apricots and then in the off season, canned or frozen would work well, too! Speaking of summer, if you don't have air conditioning, this recipe only uses the stove top, so you're not heating up your house!
What can I tell you, this is just one of those wonderful recipes that has your back ALL. YEAR. LONG.
One Pan Honey-Apricot Pork Chops
This easy recipe for one pan honey apricot pork chops is not only tasty and healthy, it's a winner all year long, with fresh fruit or canned!
Ingredients
- 4-6 (7- to 8-ounce) boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 (15 oz) cans pitted apricots drained & rinsed then sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels, then sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; brown chops on both sides, 3-5 minutes per side.
- Remove pork chops to a plate and add sliced apricots, garlic, and honey. Whisk the sauce until slightly thickened and place the pork chops back into the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until pork is tender and an instant-read thermometer into centers registers 145 degrees F, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.
Notes
Make sure you carefully brown the pork chops for their recommended time on each side - that will help you not overcook them and use a meat thermometer to make sure it's cooked to a perfect 145 degrees.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 477Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 353mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 49g
Sharon says
Sounds delicious! I'll try it for sure.
Chelsia Rief says
I hope you like it as much as we do!
Stephanie Schiltz says
My husband will love this recipe and so will I. Easy, fast , and yummy! On my to try list!
Chelsia Rief says
This is exactly one of the reasons why I like it - so so fast!
Karla Lyndaker says
Looks yummy!!
Chelsia Rief says
Thank you!
Macey W says
This looks yummy!
Chelsia Rief says
Thank you, it is!
Karen Anderson says
I love cooking pork with fruit. Any Fruit. Especially peaches though. Growing up in So. Calif. we always have fresh fruit to use.
Chelsia Rief says
You're so lucky! Any fruit would be delicious with this!
Giant Sis says
I love pork with apples! Sometimes I just pour in a bottle of applesauce and put the pork chops in there to cook.
Chelsia Rief says
I've never done that before, but I hear it is really delicious!
Stephanie Phelps says
Healthy and delicious this is exactly what I am looking for. I cannot wait for you to post about your workout routine!
Chelsia Rief says
Thank you! I hope to be sharing that post soon! :)
Darla Peduzzi says
I'm always looking for new ways to make pork chops. Sounds so good!
Chelsia Rief says
This is a great recipe to try out! Super fast!
Rebecca Snodgrass says
Looks do good!
Chelsia Rief says
Thanks!
Beatrice P says
I would love to try this simple and delicious recipe
Chelsia Rief says
Let me know what you think when you do :)
Debbie Erickson says
I agree with you - pork chops are easy to dry out when cooking. Going to try your recipe for sure!
Chelsia Rief says
Yes, and you just can't go back once you've dried them out! I love this recipe because of the sauce it makes. So good!
Cynthia C says
Looks delicious! I love one pan meals for less clean up.
Chelsia Rief says
Me too! They are such lifesavers.
Cheryl says
I've never cooked with apricots. It looks delicious!
Chelsia Rief says
You could probably use whatever canned fruit you like, but the apricots are so pretty.
Antoinette M says
I love pork chops. This looks like a great recipe.
Chelsia Rief says
Thank you! It is!
Linda G says
we love pork chops, I will have to try this recipe, sounds yummy
Chelsia Rief says
I Hope you do and let me know what you think! :)