Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Apple and Onion Medley

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork chops simmered in tart apple cider with caramelized onions and apples, finished with a glossy reduction that enhances the meat's natural richness. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs pork chops, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 452 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 452 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add sliced onions and cook for 6 minutes over medium heat until softened and lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in sliced apples, cook for 3 minutes until edges soften, then pour in apple cider, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp thyme.
  5. Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling into apple mixture. Cover with lid and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until pork reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  6. Step 6: Remove skillet from oven, transfer pork chops to plate and tent with foil. Return skillet to stove over medium heat, add 2 tbsp butter, and cook for 2 minutes until melted and glossy.
  7. Step 7: Pour sauce over pork chops and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Apple and Onion Medley take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Apple and Onion Medley?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Apple and Onion Medley?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Apple and Onion Medley for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Apple and Onion Medley?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes