Alton Brown Pork Chops Recipe

This Alton Brown Pork Chops Recipe is tender and savory, which uses bone-in pork chops and dried apple slices. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Alton Brown Pork Chops Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns, slightly crushed
• 1 pound ice
• 4 (1- to 1 1/2-inch thick) bone-in pork chops
• 3 ounces dried apple slices
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

How To Make Alton Brown Pork Chops Recipe

1. Make the brine: Combine vegetable broth, 1/2 cup salt, brown sugar, and peppercorns in a saucepan. Heat until dissolved, then remove from heat and stir in the ice.
2. Brine the pork chops: Place chops in a 2-gallon zip-top bag with the cooled brine. Seal and refrigerate overnight in a plastic container.
3. Prep the chops: Remove chops from the brine, rinse, and pat dry. Season both sides with remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
4. Layer apples in slow cooker: Place dried apple slices in the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Sear the pork chops: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan. Sear pork chops 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to slow cooker on top of apples.
6. Cook onions and deglaze: Add remaining olive oil and onions to the pan. Cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan. Add black pepper and thyme. Stir well.
7. Slow cook: Pour onion mixture over pork in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 1.5 hours, then reduce to low and cook for another 4.5 hours until pork is tender and falling off the bone.

Recipe Tips

• Why brine pork chops overnight?
  It deeply seasons the meat and keeps it moist during slow cooking.
• Can I skip the dried apples?
  The apples add a sweet contrast to the savory pork. Fresh apples can work in a pinch.
• What’s the best pan for searing?
  A stainless-steel sauté pan gives the best golden crust and allows you to deglaze easily.
• Can I use boneless pork chops?
  Bone-in provides better flavor and tenderness for slow cooking, but boneless can work with shorter cook time.
• How to tell when pork chops are done?
  They should be fork-tender and easily separate from the bone.

What To Serve With Pork Chops

These flavorful chops pair well with:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic herb rice
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• Apple slaw or sautéed greens
• Cornbread or warm dinner rolls
• A glass of dry cider or chardonnay

How To Store Pork Chops

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Wrap pork chops tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pork Chops Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~390
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 720mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, use a Dutch oven at 325°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.

Do I need to rinse the pork after brining?
Yes, rinsing removes excess salt from the surface.

What apples work best if fresh?
Try firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn.

How to reheat without drying out?
Reheat covered in a 300°F oven with a splash of broth to keep moist.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Whipped Cream Recipe
• Alton Brown Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
• Alton Brown Beef Jerky Recipe