Crispy Pan-Fried Fourth-Cut Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Compote

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

Juicy pork chops pan-fried to a crispy golden crust served with a sweet and tangy apple and caramelized onion compote. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick). Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 2/3 tsp black pepper. Dredge each chop in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Once butter foams, add the pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Add 2 medium peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/3 tsp salt, 1/3 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Cook for 7-8 minutes until apples are tender and compote thickens.
  4. Step 4: Serve pork chops topped with the warm apple-onion compote.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Pan-Fried Fourth-Cut Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Compote take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Crispy Pan-Fried Fourth-Cut Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Compote?

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 bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Pan-Fried Fourth-Cut Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Compote?

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 Crispy Pan-Fried Fourth-Cut Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Compote 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 Crispy Pan-Fried Fourth-Cut Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Compote?

American pork 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.

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