Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple and Sage

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

Juicy pork chops pan-fried to golden perfection, topped with a warm apple and sage sauté. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs (1 inch thick) 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 390 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick) with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add pork chops. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 1 large peeled and thinly sliced apple, 8 chopped fresh sage leaves, and 1 minced garlic clove. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until apples soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Spoon the apple and sage mixture over the pork chops and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple and Sage take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple and Sage?

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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple and Sage?

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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple and Sage 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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple and Sage?

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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