Skillet Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Apple Brandy Cream
A cozy one-pan dinner featuring tender pork loin chops nestled with caramelized sweet potatoes and fresh apple slices, finished with a rich brandy cream sauce. The combination of savory pork, naturally sweet vegetables, and aromatic thyme creates a balanced autumn-inspired meal that's elegant enough for company yet simple enough for weeknight cooking. The brandy adds depth while the cream sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 boneless pork loin chops, 4-oz.chicken thighs1:1poultry
adjust cooking time
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 medium dark orange sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- ⅓ cup apple juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 medium apple, peeled, sliced
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- ½ cup whipping cream
Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat
- 2
Add pork chops and sprinkle with salt
- 3
Cook until browned on both sides
- 4
Add sweet potatoes, apple juice and thyme
- 5
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low
- 6
Cover and cook
- 7
Add apple, onions and brandy
- 8
Cover and cook until pork is no longer pink in center
- 9
Remove pork chops, sweet potatoes and apple from skillet and place on serving platter
- 10
Cover to keep warm
- 11
Add cream to skillet and cook until slightly thickened, stirring constantly
- 12
Serve over pork mixture
Tips
Let pork rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking throughout.
Cut sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure they cook at the same rate as the pork.
Use a meat thermometer to check that pork reaches 145°F internal temperature for food safety.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
Can prep sweet potatoes and apple up to 4 hours ahead
Serve immediately while cream sauce is warm
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook pork to avoid dryness - use meat thermometer
Don't skip covering during braising to prevent sweet potatoes from drying out
Stir cream sauce constantly to avoid curdling
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes as regular potatoes take longer to become tender than sweet potatoes.
What if I don't have brandy?
Substitute with apple cider, white wine, or additional apple juice for similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored leftovers will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the cream sauce from separating.