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Juicy skillet pork chops with apples are pan-seared, then simmered with caramelized onions in a flavorful apple cider glaze. You can have these golden-crusted chops on the table in just 30 minutes!
If you need more quick and easy ways to cook pork chops, grab this recipe for the juiciest air fryer pork chops, and these oven baked bone-in pork chops.
Pork and apples are one of my favorite sweet and savory combos—especially when the temps drop and I’m craving something warm and comforting. This pork chops with apples recipe brings together juicy pork, tender sautéed apples, and caramelized onions in a tangy apple cider glaze that screams fall. If you’re into cozy skillet recipes like my smothered pork chops, you’re definitely going to want these apple pork chops on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Pork Chops With Apples
- Mouthwatering flavor and texture. Tender caramelized onions and sweet-tart apples add texture and flavor to pan-seared pork that practically falls off the bone. The beautiful golden-brown char on the meat really locks in the flavors.
- Quick. You only need one pan and 30 minutes to have these decadent skillet pork chops and apples ready for the table. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight!
- Easy ingredients. This pork chops recipe is made with just a handful of fresh ingredients. The flavors are perfect for fall, but just as delicious at any other time of the year.
Recipe Ingredients
To make these easy pork chops with apples, you only need a handful of pantry ingredients. I’ve included a few quick notes below, but scroll down to the recipe card for the full list with amounts and instructions.
For the Pork Chops
- Olive Oil – Used to sear the pork chops and sauté the apples and onions. Can be swapped with avocado oil, canola oil, or ghee if needed.
- Bone-In Pork Chops (½-inch thick) – I find the best cuts of pork for pan-searing are rib-cut or center cut pork chops. You can use boneless chops if needed, but reduce the cook time slightly to avoid drying them out. Thicker chops will need more time in the pan or oven.
- Fresh Sage – Adds a slightly peppery flavor to the pork. Dried sage works in a pinch—just use about half the amount.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning both the pork and the apple-onion mixture. Use to taste.
- Apple Cider (not vinegar!) – Adds a sweet, tart base to the sauce and ties all the flavors together. Do not substitute with apple cider vinegar—it’s way too sharp. If you’re out of cider, you can use unsweetened apple juice, but reduce the sugar in the dish slightly if needed.
For the Apples and Onions
- Apples – Go for firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Yellow Onion – You can also use sweet onions or white onions.
- Fresh Rosemary – If using dried rosemary, use just a pinch (about ⅓ of the amount).
- Fresh Thyme – Offers a subtle, herbal flavor that blends beautifully with the cider and sage. Dried thyme is totally fine, just use a little less.
Katerina’s Recipe Tips
- Let the pork chops rest. Like steak, letting pork rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Don’t skip it!
- Use bone-in pork chops. Pork with the bone still in it will almost always be juicier than a cut that has the bone removed. The lean fat surrounding the bone keeps the meat moist and tender.
- Let the meat come to room temperature. Instead of cooking your pork chops fresh out of the fridge, let them rest on the counter at room temperature for about 20 minutes first. This helps them to cook more evenly.
- Be sure to not crowd the pan. Overcrowding will lead the pork to steam instead of sear.
- In place of the apple cider glaze, try another marinade, like the honey garlic sauce from my baked honey garlic pork chops.
Serving Suggestions
These pork chops and apples pair deliciously with buttery mashed sweet potatoes, which taste even better with the onions and apples spooned over top. Drizzle on a little juice from the bottom of the pan, and it’s perfection! To round out a meal, add an easy side of veggies like lemon butter green beans. And if you’re looking for some fresh greens, try this avocado and feta kale salad or this seasonal roasted butternut squash salad.
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Pork Chops With Apples
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1/2-inch-thick (4 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup apple cider, (NOT vinegar)
Instructions
- Season the pork chops. Rub the pork chops on all sides with the sage, salt, and pepper.
- Sear. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat and add one tablespoon olive oil. Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the apples and onions. Return the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and stir in the apples and onions; season with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
- Add the apple cider. Stir in the cider and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
- Finish and serve. Return the pork chops to the skillet; cover and cook, turning once, for 5 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from heat; rest for 5 minutes and serve.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
How to Make Pork Chops With Apples
This recipe comes together easily in just one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to bring all those cozy, savory-sweet flavors together!
- Prep the pork chops. Rub the pork chops on all sides with a mixture of chopped sage, salt and pepper. Afterward, sear the pork chops in a cast iron skillet over high heat with a bit of olive oil, getting a nice crust on both sides. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the apples and onions. Add the the apples and onions to the pan with the remaining olive oil. Season with chopped rosemary, thyme, and additional salt and pepper. Cook until the onions are softened and the apples are browned and tender.
- Make the sauce. Now, stir in the apple cider and deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits and add flavor.
- Combine and cook. Lastly, return the pork chops to the skillet with the onions and apples. Cover the pan and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Turn each pork chop once, or until they’re cooked through.
- Serve! Take the pan off the heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. Serve them topped with the sautéed apples, onions, and glaze.
Storing and Reheating
- Fridge. You can store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat. Add a tablespoon of butter to a cast iron skillet and let it melt over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook each side for about 4 minutes. Pour the apple mixture into the skillet and cook it until everything has heated through.
- Freeze. When freezing, I recommend storing the apple and onion mixture separately from the pork chops. Allow the pork chops and apples to cool completely before sealing them tightly in freezer-safe containers or double-lock freezer bags. Freeze them for up to 3 months, and defrost them in the fridge before reheating.
Super quick and easy to prepare and absolutely delicious to eat.
Thank YOU! I am very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Great recipe. I used dried herbs as I didn’t have fresh and it was yummy!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Delicious, fast and easy! I had thick boneless chops but they worked. Will make this again.
That’s great! I’m very happy you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Do you have to use a cast iron skillet? Mine is too small and has no cover. Thank you.
Hi!
Nope, you can just use a large nonstick skillet. 🙂
These skillet pork chops are AMAZING! I love the apples and onions with herbs!
Love the apples in this dish! Looks so yummy!
This is seriously wonderful! I love the glaze on the pork chops.