Midwestern Baked Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Compote

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

Tender baked pork chops topped with a sweet and savory apple-onion compote, inspired by regional autumn flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) 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 370 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: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Season 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) evenly with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add 1 cup thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Add 1.5 cups peeled and diced apple, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until apples soften and compote thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet nestling them into the apple-onion compote. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until pork reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving with the compote spooned over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Midwestern Baked Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Compote take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Midwestern Baked 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Midwestern Baked 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 Midwestern Baked 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 Midwestern Baked 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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