Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Sage and Apple Pan Sauce

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

Juicy pork chops pan-fried and served with a savory pan sauce made from fresh sage, apples, and a splash of cider vinegar. This international-inspired pork ready in about 30 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 400 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 International cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and set aside on a plate tented with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in 6 chopped fresh sage leaves and 1 thinly sliced peeled apple. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until apples soften and sage is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the pork chops to the pan and spoon sauce over them. Cook for 1 more minute to rewarm before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Sage and Apple Pan Sauce 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 Sage and Apple Pan Sauce?

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

International 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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