Johnson's Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Pan Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops braised in apple cider and honey, finished with a glossy pan sauce that elevates simple weeknight cooking. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 32 minutes blends bone-in pork chops, apple cider, honey into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 22 min Serves 2 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season pork chops with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chops for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Pour in 1/2 cup apple cider and 1 tbsp honey, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them in the liquid. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1 tsp fresh thyme. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Uncover and cook for 2 more minutes to thicken the sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Johnson's Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Pan Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Johnson's Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Pan Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Pan Sauce?

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 Johnson's Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Pan Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Johnson's Cider-Braised Pork Chops with Pan Sauce?

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.

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